The Husky Haul
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Washington Huskies defense looks flawed, but shows promise in first Big Ten season

By Ethan Lee

Oct 26, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Miles Cross (19) is tackled by Washington Huskies cornerback Ephesians Prysock (7) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Miles Cross (19) is tackled by Washington Huskies cornerback Ephesians Prysock (7) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images / Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
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There are some very real issues that this Washington Huskies defense is facing this season. Stopping the run, especially in conference games, seems borderline impossible for Steve Belichick’s bunch. 

And so, given how Washington has suffered a few frustrating Big Ten losses in the Huskies’ debut season in the conference, it’d be fair to be jaded about believing the Huskies’ ability to succeed long term in this conference. 

That said, despite some of the problems that have come with leaving the Pac-12 in favor of the Big Ten Confefence this season, the Washington Huskies have actually established themselves as one of the conference’s best when it comes to limiting total offensive production from opposing teams. 

It’s weird given the issues on the ground and when it comes to pressuring opposing quarterbacks. But, it’s worth noting that Washington is pretty dang good at pass defense. That secondary is strong. And that translates over here as, through five conference games, Washington ranks at No. 4 in the Big Ten when it comes to opposing team’s total offensive yards gained. 

It’s weird, but we’ll take it, you know?

Washington Huskies among top 5 defenses in Big Ten in total yards allowed in conference games through 9 weeks

Here are the top teams in the Big Ten in this category. It’s a little niche, but it works well and gives us something to brag about. 

  • Ohio State Buckeyes - 254.4 yards per game
  • Penn State Nittany Lions - 267.6 yards per game
  • Indiana Hoosiers - 269.5 yards per game
  • Washington Huskies - 272.0 yards per game
  • Minnesota Golden Gophers- 282.9 yards per game

Washington will need its defense to really show up over the final month of the season. As the Huskies try to lock up a bowl game, they’ll be facing teams like the USC Trojans, Penn State Nittany Lions, UCLA Bruins, and Oregon Ducks. And some of those teams have some very real offenses. 

The Huskies can’t afford for their defenses to look porous in those contests if a bowl game is going to happen for UW this season.

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