2. Elite defense
Browning is good, and despite defections and injuries around him, the cupboard is still full enough in Seattle for Washington to put up the points necessary to win its remaining games. However, if the offense’s struggles against the Sun Devils weren’t a one-game fluke, at least the Husky defense is elite.
It’s a tired cliché that defense wins championships, but clichés are generally rooted in truth. And, since the Huskies rank among the best in the nation in several defensive statistical categories, there’s reason to believe Washington’s elite defense can will Washington to a Pac-12 championship and a second straight CFP appearance.
Washington leads the conference in total defense (236.9 yards allowed per game), which ranks second to Michigan among FBS units. The Huskies lead the country in fewest yards allowed per play (3.64). To drive the point home, statistically speaking, the Huskies have played better defense than Alabama, Georgia, Wisconsin, Clemson and Penn State, among others. Run defense is the biggest strength as Washington ranks second to the Crimson Tide with an average of 73.0 rushing yards allowed per game, and leads the country in yards allowed per carry (2.2).
Led by top-notch defensive tackle Vita Vea and linebacker Azeem Victor and top tackler Ben Burr-Kirsten, the Huskies have several players capable of an All-Pac-12 selection, as well as an NFL future. Unfortunately, after already losing starting cornerback Byron Murphy for an extended period of time, Washington also lost corner Jordan Miller to a broken ankle, which will end his season. Depth is obviously an issue in the secondary now, but few teams in the nation are as well suited to shut down an opponent’s rushing attack.