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Washington Huskies defense currently leads Big Ten in slowing opposing passing attacks

By Ethan Lee

Oct 26, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Justice Ellison (6) is tackled by multiple Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Justice Ellison (6) is tackled by multiple Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images / Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
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Thank goodness for Washington Huskies defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, right? The decision to leave the NFL ranks and come coach in college has really helped the Washington Huskies defense at times this season.

Sure, there are issues when it comes to generating a pass rush and disrupting plays in the backfield. Washington is generally struggling to stop potent Big Ten rushing attacks right now. But, the Huskies are really, really good at slowing opposing passing attacks. 

In fact, the Washington Huskies defense is currently leading the Big Ten in that category. Or, well, to be specific, the statistical category of “opposing passing yards per game.” And they’re leading in a rather noteworthy way. Because there’s a sizable gap between the Huskies at No. 1 and then the No. 2 team, the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Washington Huskies’ pass defense leads the Big Ten in limiting opposing passing attacks as Huskies enter week 10

If you want to know what the top five teams look like in this regard, well I’ve got that data for you, friends. Folks, here are the top five teams in the Big Ten when it comes to limiting opposing passing yards in any given game. 

  • Washington Huskies : 123.1 yards per game
  • Minnesota Golden Gophers: 162.5 yards per game
  • Ohio State Buckeyes: 163.1 yards per game
  • Wisconsin Badgers: 167.1 yards per game
  • Oregon Ducks: 173.8 yards per game

As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, there are a few important caveats to consider when looking at this stat and this stat alone. It doesn’t exactly have all of the context, so we should add it. There are numerous teams that Washington could be facing that have dominant passing attacks. And then there are the teams that UW has faced this season.

And some of those teams (Iowa, Indiana with a backup quarterback, Northwestern, Michigan, Eastern Michigan, etc.) lack potent passing attack abilities. That’s an important thing to consider. Also, UW’s defense is porous when it comes to stopping rushing attacks. 

But, this is something that Washington can build around. It’s an identity. And as the Huskies move forward under Jedd Fisch in this new era, a strong identity to brag about is a good thing to have.

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