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Washington Huskies’ defense smothered Northwestern’s offense in Big Ten opener

Northwestern's offense isn't great, but the Washington Huskies were able to hold them to just 112 total yards of offense. That's impressive.

By Ethan Lee

Sep 21, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Jack Lausch (12) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Sep 21, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Jack Lausch (12) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images / Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
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The Huskies sure look right at home in the Big Ten. At least on the defensive side of things, that is. In their first game in their new home, Jedd Fisch’s Washington Huskies have absolutely smothered the Northwestern Wildcats offense. While UW has been able to get some big plays on offense, the Huskies have prevented any sort of momentum from Northwestern in this game.

That’s a huge reason as to why the Huskies are holding on to a 24-5 lead that feels much larger than what it actually is.

Washington’s defense has completely shut down Northwestern’s attempts at running the ball. Late into the fourth quarter, the Wildcats have gained a grand total of just 59 rushing yards in this game. Carson Bruener and Sebastian Valdez have been active in Washington’s front seven and their combined 12 tackles are part of why the Huskies have limited Northwestern to 2.3 yards per carry.

Washington Huskies defense halts Northwestern Wildcats’ offense in UW’s first Big Ten conference game

In addition to a stout rush defense, the Huskies’ pass defense was solid as well. Jack Lausch, Northwestern’s quarterback, completed just eight of his 27 pass attempts. Oh, and he only had 53 passing yards.

Along with that, the Huskies picked off two passes from Lausch. 

While the Wildcats aren’t exactly known for having a potent or prolific offense, it’s still really impressive that Washington was able to do exactly what it did in this game. On the season prior to this Big Ten conference opener for the Huskies, the Wildcats were averaging 355.3 yards of offense per game. Washington held them to over 240 yards less than what they were averaging.

Steve Belichick deserves a lot of credit for this one.

On third down, the Wildcats converted a grand total of two of their 13 attempts. The Huskies were able to get off the field, stay fresh, and keep moving. And that’s a huge reason they were able to get such a commanding early lead in this game.

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