The Washington Huskies defense spun another gem of a game on Friday night in Piscataway, New Jersey. The Dawgs fell to Rutgers 21-18 despite a stop late in the first half that should have never happened. 

The Huskies gave up only two legitimate drives on the day when talented running back Kyle Monangai got loose for a few runs, but for the most part the Husky defense was up to the challenge. The Huskies held the Rutgers offense to a three-and-out five of the nine drives on the day and one of the four being a four play punting drive.

If not for one of the most bone-headed plays witnessed by a Husky player since the Sugar Bowl kick-catch interference, the Huskies would have only surrendered 14 points. However, the game of football isn’t played by “what ifs”.

 Athan Kaliakmanis did just enough for the Scarlet Knights to move the ball. He made enough third-and-long throws to keep the chains moving on their scoring drives. 

Washington sits 10th in the nation in points per game only giving up 12.4. This week the Michigan Wolverines come to town with a running game similar to Rutgers, but with a quarterback more apt to running than Kaliakmanis. The Wolverines look to grind down defenses with a punishing style. 

The loss of Jayvon Parker for the year is alarming. He has been one of the best players on the line and someone who has developed into a problem for offensive coordinators. In his place the usual rotation will be very important against a team that looks to almost exclusively run the ball. 

The longest throw by Michigan quarterback Alex Orji was for 16 yards last week against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. He threw for 86 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. 

With very little potential for explosive plays for the offense look for the Husky defense to control this game from kickoff to final buzzer.