From the opening series to the end of the third quarter the Husky defense was in absolute control of their matchup against Noah Kim and the Michigan State defense.

After picking up a first down on their first drive Washington edge, defender, Zion Tupuola-Fetui created and secured a fumble the Big 10 officials decided not to review. It turned out not to matter as the Huskies ended up forcing a short punt to set up the first touchdown of the game.

Michigan State was supposed to have a solid offensive line with a dynamic running game, but the Washington front seven manhandled the Spartan o-line limiting the running game to 53 total yards.

The defense was thin at defensive back with Asa Turner, Kamren Fabiculanan, and Davon Banks unable to go. Outside of a pass interference penalty early in the game the defense was extremally effective.

Defensive Line

Ulumoo Ale made sure his presence was felt early. He stuffed the middle, even a little too much on a defensive holding, disrupting the running game early and often. Tuli Letuligasenoa also helped abuse the interior offensive line.

Simply put, this defense was dominant.

Grade: A

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Edge

Zion Tupuola-Fetui looked like the 2020 version of himself. The broadcast color commentator mentioned that ZTF was in the backfield more than anyone else. He finished with two sacks and was very disruptive.

The gameplan was to let someone other than Bralen Trice beat them and ZTF made that happen. The backup rushers continue to make an impact especially Voi Tunuufi and Sekai Asoau-Afoa.

Grade: A

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Linebackers

Outside of a late hit on Ralen Goforth the linebackers were fantastic. Alphonso Tuputala was very good in the run game.

Carson Bruner was always around the ball, he barley missed a pass defensed that turned into a 1st down, but notched 6 tackles on the day. Edefuan Ulofoshio looked fast and was consistently in the backfield.

Grade: A

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Defensive Backs

Dominique Hampton was all over the field. He made life hard on the offense all game, tying the team with most tackles at 6.

Mishael Powell snagged his first career interception.

One thing to watch as the season continues to progress is the play of Elijah Jackson who was once again tagged with a pass interference. Jabbar Muhammad was dominant and Thaddeus Dixon recorded two pass defended.

Grade: A