In a season with low expectations, Washington lost four defensive starters in the first 44 picks of the 2015 NFL Draft and had three players named All-Americans. And yet, the Huskies have quietly developed into one of the most formidable defenses in the Pac-12 this year.
Analytics from Football Outsiders ranks Washington No. 21 in S&P ratings, and, using those metrics, the Huskies boast the eighth-best defense in the country.
The Sun Devils (4-5) haven't lost to Washington since 2001 (a 33-31 thriller at Sun Devil Stadium). They won by 14 in Seattle last year and by 29 in the 2013 Homecoming game.
Washington’s defense has been efficient this year — not by being overwhelming in one aspect but by being sound as a unit.
“They have 11 guys playing as one,” offensive coordinator Mike Norvell said. “You look at their defense and there’s not any weaknesses that are jumping out. They’re really good at the back end with guys who are long, athletic, physical and can cover. Then up front, they’ve got really explosive players.”
ead coach Chris Petersen and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski have effectively utilized the 4-2-5 scheme that worked so well against other mid-majors when the duo coached at Boise State.
When facing a spread offense like ASU's, the flexibility of the Huskies allow for the team to adapt from a 3-4 base to a 4-2-5 when confronted with twin receivers on the edges.
Washington bases its defense on matching the spread with overall team speed, adapting in between position players that are not quite linemen or linebackers or defensive backs, similar to ASU head coach Todd Graham's use of a hybrid "Devil-backer."
The Huskies are set up so that every player on the field will be able to cover a receiver as well as fill in gaps in the running game.
ASU will likely counter by showing different looks and alignments that will move some of Washington's bigger defensive bodies out of the box to open up the running game.
In theory, if an ASU offense looks to spread the field with four or five receivers, then Washington will have that covered with a lone safety over top in a Cover 1 and pattern matching underneath. If the Sun Devils attempt to establish the power rushing attack, then the Washington alignment inside the box should be able to take on an attacking ASU offensive line.
Norvell will need to be equally flexible with his game plan in order for the offense to return to the form Sun Devil fans have seen in flashes this season.
“We’re excited about the challenge and the opportunity,” Norvell said.
Reach the reporter at Brian.W.Carroll@asu.edu or follow @Biggs_Carroll on Twitter.
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