The Husky Haul
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Washington Huskies thriving at shutting down opposing Big Ten passing attacks entering week 10

By Ethan Lee

Sep 7, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Eastern Michigan Eagles running back Delbert Mimms III (34) carries the ball while Washington Huskies cornerback Ephesians Prysock (7) is held during the second half at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Eastern Michigan Eagles running back Delbert Mimms III (34) carries the ball while Washington Huskies cornerback Ephesians Prysock (7) is held during the second half at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images / Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
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It truly is a shame that the Washington Huskies don’t exist in a conference that is a bit more pass happy. At least for this season. I’m not saying that the Huskies should relocate conferences again or that they should have stayed in the dysfunctional Pac-12. What I’m saying is that Washington’s pass defense is incredible

Because so far, the Washington Huskies are THRIVING when it comes to halting opposing passing attacks in conference play.

After nine weeks and eight games (five of which were Big Ten games) Washington and Steve Belichick have established the Huskies as having arguably the Big Ten's most formidable pass defense up to this point in the season.

Through those eight games, Washington is limiting opposing teams to a meager 102.6 pass yards per game. That’s an incredible feat. And while there are problems with other aspects of the Washington Huskies’ defense, they’re not having issues when it comes to shutting down opposing aerial attacks. They’re nearly 70 yards per game better than the next best passing attack.

Shoutout to this secondary because that’s insane. 

Washington Huskies lead Big Ten in limiting opposing passing yards per game in Big Ten conference games so far in 2024

Let’s take a look at the top teams in the Big Ten when it comes to shutting down opposing passing attacks.

  • Washington Huskies - 102.6 pass yards per game
  • Wisconsin Badgers - 171.2 pass yards per game
  • Oregon Ducks - 179.2 pass yards per game
  • Minnesota Golden Gophers - 192.8 pass yards per game
  • Penn State Nittany Lions - 197.2 pass yards per game

What makes this even more impressive is that Washington’s front seven is struggling this season. The Huskies aren’t able to generate much of a pass rush and pressure opposing quarterbacks this year. 

Now, an important caveat to consider here is that Washington’s Big Ten foes haven’t exactly been great at airing the ball out. Northwestern, Michigan, Rutgers, Iowa, and Indiana (with a backup quarterback) don’t exactly scream “we’re great at passing the ball!” And all of those teams are pretty good at running it. 

So, with a bad run defense and a good pass defense and bad pass offenses and good run offenses, why throw? Always run, never pass in those cases. It’ll be intriguing to see how the Huskies pass defense fares against more potent passing attacks. 

We’ll find out soon enough as they take on the USC Trojans this weekend.

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