The Husky Haul
Fansided

Washington Huskies among Big Ten’s worst at sacks so far this season

By Ethan Lee

Oct 5, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Logan Sagapolu (97) celebrates after recovering a fumble against the Michigan Wolverines during the fourth quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Oct 5, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Logan Sagapolu (97) celebrates after recovering a fumble against the Michigan Wolverines during the fourth quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images / Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
facebooktwitterreddit

The Washington Huskies are struggling to generate much of a pass rush this season, we’ve already established that some. They’re tied for second to last in the Big Ten when it comes to generating sacks in Big Ten conference games.

When you’re new to the neighborhood, you’d like to excel at something. And not excelling at something that other new neighbors happen to be thriving at is infuriating. Because the Oregon Ducks aren’t having this problem right now.

But, in non-conference games, Washington actually did fairly decent at pressuring opposing quarterbacks. They managed to generate nine sacks against out of conference foes. That’s not too bad, you know? But as a whole, it’s just not good enough for the Huskies to have long term success on the defensive side of things. 

So, as a whole, how are the Huskies doing at getting to opposing quarterbacks? Well, they’re in the bottom half of the Big Ten conference.

Washington Huskies rank among Big Ten’s worst when it comes to sacking opposing quarterbacks this season

Here’s what that looks like:

  • Indiana Hoosiers (tied) - 24 sacks
  • Oregon Ducks (tied) - 24 sacks
  • Nebraska Cornhuskers - 23 sacks
  • Michigan Wolverines - 21 sacks
  • Ohio State Buckeyes (tied) - 20 sacks 
  • Illinois Fighting Illini (tied) - 20 sacks
  • Iowa Hawkeyes - 19 sacks
  • Northwestern Wildcats - 17 sacks
  • Purdue Boilermakers - 16 sacks
  • Michigan State Spartans - 15 sacks
  • Washington Huskies (tied) - 14 sacks
  • Penn State Nittany Lions (tied) - 14 sacks
  • Maryland Terrapins (tied) - 13 sacks
  • Minnesota Golden Gophers (tied) - 13 sacks
  • USC Trojans(tied) - 13 sacks
  • Wisconsin Badgers (tied) - 13 sacks
  • Rutgers Scarlet Knights - 12 sacks
  • UCLA Bruins - 10 sacks

Washington definitely has some work to do in this department. For the most part, the Huskies have been pretty solid on defense. They excel in other categories. But when it comes to pressuring opposing quarterbacks? Well, they’re not great.

And the gap that exists between Washington and a team like Oregon? Well, that’s concerning. The Huskies have won three in a row over Oregon. Will that trend continue? I hope so. But it remains to be seen.

Home/Football