For the first time in the Kalen DeBoer era on Montlake the offense failed to score a touchdown. Instead, the offense coughed the ball up four times and relied on a pick-6 for their only touchdown of the game.  So goes it against Arizona Sate who has been a major pain for the Huskies since joining the conference.

With all that being said the Huskies escaped embarrassment and won the game 15-7 over the one-win Sun Devils. This game took on a different narrative: the defense carried the team.

Washington’s defense gave up only seven points, created a key turnover, and blocked a field goal in the effort to stay perfect at 7-0.

Defensive line: Tuli Letuligasenoa was in street clothes for this game and his presence was missed. The combination of Tuli and Ulumoo Ale create a giant wall for opposing defense, then with Jacob Bandes and Faatui Tuitele working in the rotation made a formidable group.

Without him and the effective hard nosed running of Cameron Skattebo made for a tougher day than usual for this impressive front.

Grade: B

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Linebackers

It was an up and down day for the linebackers whp were tasked with bringing down the big ball carriers on ASU’s roster. Starting with the bad, multiple times the linebackers were dispatched by running backs and were able to get into the second level.

The worst being Alphonzo Tuputala trying to throw Skattebo to the ground only to watch him keep his balance and run for more yards. The good was late in the game when Arizona State was trying to make a comeback Carson Bruner had a great PBU on a slant pattern.

Grade: B

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Corners

This was by far and away the best unit on the field. Elijah Jackson has been picked on all year as he starts across from Jabbar Muhmmad. This week Jackson played the best came as a college football player as the ASU offense continued to challenge him and he answered the call. He was excellent in coverage and ended the game with two PBUs. Jabbar Muhmmad might have gotten away with a pass interference late, but his lockdown defense was on display all game. The player of the game was Mishael Powell. Powell came through on a 4th and 3 from the Washington 12 with a 88 yard interception for a touchdown.

Grade: A+

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Safeties

Trenton Bouguet was held to under 200 yards passing on the day. The safeties were paramount in helping the corners over the top. Dom Hampton continues to be one of the most important players on this defense with his physicality.

When teams throw toward number 7 good things happen. Hampton continued his role as the enforcer with a big hit late in the game.

Grade: A-

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Final thought:  In reality, the Washington defense was rather close to a shutout.  Sure, they were aided by botched field goals, but they had one of their best games as a unit.

However, Husky Stadium deserves a big tip of the hat too.  The defense and the fans working in concert ala 1980s and 1990s, was a beautiful thing.

The Sun Devils faced 17 third downs, converting just 5.  On six of those unconverted opportunities they went for it on 4th down making it twice before Mishael Powell’s pick 6.

This was an important game for the psyche of the defense and it should help as the Huskies enter “The Gauntlet Stage” of their schedule.