After the 38-21 victory over Colorado State, the Washington Huskies’ defense has plenty of teaching tape to review this week as they prepare for UC Davis. Missing key size up front, the unit struggled at times to contain running back Jalen Dupree, who finished with 92 yards and a touchdown while averaging six yards per carry.

The absences of Jayvon Parker and Logan Sagapalu left the Huskies thin in the middle. Even with the injuries, the defensive line was expected to be more stout against the Group of Five Rams’ offensive front.

Colorado State found success through the first three quarters, freely balancing its attack. Washington’s front four failed to clog the middle and consistently bottle up Dupree, who churned out steady yardage and extended drives.

Momentum shifted once the Husky offense found its rhythm and the secondary came up with an interception, forcing the Rams into a one-dimensional approach. From that point on, they struggled to move the ball.

The edge position remains a work in progress. Outside defenders had trouble setting the edge, allowing Dupree to bounce runs to the perimeter and reach the second level.

Overall, the run defense must improve—from the front seven to the back end, where safety Makell Esteen missed two open-field tackles. If Washington wants to make noise in the Big Ten, tackling discipline and gap integrity, especially up front, have to take a step forward.