The Husky Haul
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Washington Huskies just behind Big Ten’s elite in total yards allowed per game

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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Helped by a strong pass defense and solid secondary but limited by a less-than-ideal sort of run defense and struggling pass rush, the Washington Huskies have an intriguing defense that boasts a lot of potential but still seems to be missing a few pieces to be able to consistently reach said potential. 

This is a team that has, at times, proven to be a stifling force on the defensive side of the ball. And it’s also a team that got routinely gashed by powerful Big Ten running backs on a regular basis in recent weeks. The defense has potential and fails to realize on a regular basis. 

That’s relatable for some of us, right?

When stacked up against the rest of the Big Ten, because of the remarkable showings in slowing opposing passing attacks, Washington’s defense looks pretty good as a whole. In fact, UW is ranking among the top five teams in the Big Ten when it comes to limiting opposing offenses in total yards gained per game.

The three teams that are above Washington in this category? They’re national title contenders. They’re ready to compete for spots in the College Football Playoff. And then there’s a flawed Washington team. And after that, a flawed Minnesota Golden Gophers team. This stat is weird.

Washington Huskies near top of Big Ten in total defense ranking after nine weeks of play

Here are the top five teams in the Big Ten for this category entering Week 10:

  1. Ohio State Buckeyes - 254.4 total yards per game
  2. Penn State Nittany Lions - 267.6 total yards per game
  3. Indiana Hoosiers - 269.5 total yards per game
  4. Washington Huskies - 272.0 total yards per game
  5. Minnesota Golden Gophers - 282.9 total yards per game

This is solid company for Steve Belichick’s defense to be in. It’s something to build around as the team tries to define who it is as we move forward towards the end of the year and into the offseason. Belichick and Jedd Fisch can certainly start recruiting with the idea of “hey, we just need a few more pieces to compete better” to sell to star defenders.

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