Washington may have lost four defensive players to the 2015 NFL draft last season, but the stat sheet doesn’t indicate any drop-off in performance. The Huskies, who allowed just 12 points to USC last week in their 17-12 win, rank first in the Pac-12 in scoring defense, allowing opponents just 15 points per game.
It is a noticeable contrast to where Oregon sits six games into the season. The Ducks are 3-3 for the first time since 2004, and their defense ranks last in the conference in scoring defense, total defense and passing offense.
Adding to its issues, Oregon has yet to experience a consistent option at quarterback since the second week of the season. All the more reason why Washington is favored by -1.5 points, according to Odds Shark, and has a legitimate shot at ending its 11-game losing streak to Oregon.
Here’s how Oregon and Washington stack up:
Oregon offense vs. Washington defense
Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost said Monday that the quarterback carousel needs to end. But, without Vernon Adams Jr. healthy, either option at quarterback appears to be incapable of guiding the Ducks offense with the efficiency they have been used to over the years.
Because of it, Oregon has become one-dimensional and has ran the ball over 70 percent of its plays its last two games. The Ducks have been dominant in that phase of the game though, and are averaging 318.7 rushing yards per game. But, without a passing attack, the offense has become extremely predictable, and one that certainly won’t intimidate Washington.
The Huskies have recorded seven interceptions in five games, and sophomore Budda Baker is regarded as one of the top defensive backs in the nation. Elsewhere on defense, Azeem Victor has a team-high 48 tackles on the year.
Washington offense vs. Oregon defense 
While Washington’s defense may be in the top tier of the conference, its offense is certainly not. The unit is averaging 26 points per game this season and has been limited to under 20 twice already.
Freshman quarterback Jake Browning is still trying to find his footing. He’s averaging 159.5 passing yards per game and has conceded five interceptions on the year. Still, second-year head coach Chris Peterson will almost certainly have him test the Oregon secondary often.
The Ducks are allowing 323.5 passing yards per game and have yet to contain a passing attack this year.
Dwayne Washington and Joshua Perkins are two names to watch out for at wideout. Washington has 19 receptions for 240 yards and Perkins has 17 catches for 224 yards.
In addition, freshman running back Myles Gaskin ran for 134 yards on 22 carries in last week’s win and appears to be the Huskies’ feature option on the ground.
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