The Washington Huskies’ defense stood tall when it mattered late in the game against the USC Trojans and Caleb Williams, the odds-on favorite to be the first pick in the NFL draft. While there were plenty of sloppy play and missed tackles, the defense continued to put pressure on the USC offense and forced them into an unsustainable style of play that wore out the impressive Williams.

There was a shot of Caleb Williams on the sideline after his final touchdown of the game in the 3rd quarter sitting on the bench. He was visibly exhausted as he gasped for air. Those were the last points of the game as Washington held USC to zero points in the final frame.

In the two matchups against the best offense in the country Washington has surrendered just one touchdown between Oregon and USC in the 4th quarter. They also held the Trojans under their season average.

Defensive Line

This unit harassed Caleb Williams all night long. The movement up front confused the USC offensive line which led to quarterback pressures. While it was frustrating watching Caleb Williams continue to spring his way out of sacks the constant pressure wore him down in the second half.

The play of the game was late in the 1st half when Zion Tupuola-Fetui knocked the ball out and Bralen Trice was able to jump on it giving the offense the opportunity to go up a touchdown headed into the half.

Washington finally got the stop they needed late when the Huskies DL stunted edge the fresh-legs of Maurice Heims and Voi Tunuufi who refused to let Williams out of his grasp.  While the sack was massive because it took the Trojans out of field goal range, a portion of the credit of the sack belongs to ZTF and Trice for wearing out the Trojan front and Williams.

Grade: B

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Linebackers

This was the toughest game for a group that has been so solid all year. There were opportunities the linebackers missed on for sacks and tackles for medium gain. The linebackers struggled at times to make those plays that would have allowed for Washington to win more comfortably. At the end of the game Ralen Goforth made a huge play in the flat that forced the clock to continue running.

Grade: D

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Corner Backs

Against the USC offense, Washington corners are bound to lose some matchups. Elijah Jackson specifically was targeted by the USC offensive coaching staff.

He is a young and promising prospect that has made some drastic improvements throughout the season, but USC is a totally different issue with NFL talent littered among the skill positions.

He was not helped by the officials as Brenden Rice got away with a full-armed shove on 4th and one for a touchdown in the second half.

Thaddeus Dixon showed flashes of his immense talent and physicality as one most sure tackler of the group. It is a tough ask of the secondary to cover for over three seconds on scramble drills against an elite passer, but there were times that the corners did enough to get Williams out of his rhythm especially in the 4th quarter.

Grade: C

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Safeties

Dom Hampton continues to be one of the best strong safeties around. His physicality is an issue every week for opposing offensive coordinators. He finishes plays with a violence that play-by-play and color commentators take notice of every week.

His style of play saved a touchdown as he chased down Duce Robinson to prevent a breakaway touchdown. It was good to have both Kamren Fabiculanan back and Vince Nunley which should be beneficial down the home stretch in November.

Grade: B-