SEATTLE -- Washington's defense has been maligned and
exposed all season. Watching their opposition set new records has
almost become commonplace for the Huskies.
Now comes this challenge: Slow down Colt Brennan and No. 11
Hawaii's potent offense, playing the most important game in the
Warriors athletic history with a shot at a BCS bowl game at stake.
Easy, right? Especially against the a Hawaii offense leading the
nation in scoring (47.2) and third in total yards (539.6).
"It is a chance for us to prove a lot of people wrong. For the
whole year people have questioned the secondary and that's been
something that we've always tried to do is prove all the critics
wrong," Washington freshman safety Nate Williams said. "This is a
good week for us to do that."
To want and to accomplish are two entirely different beasts for
the Huskies. No one has questioned Washington's effort this year.
But game plans and execution have been highly scrutinized, and the
numbers are likely to end up saying this is the worst defense in
Washington's history.
The Huskies (4-8) are allowing 438.8 yards per game, the
second-worst in the Pac-10, and 98th nationally. Should Hawaii gain
more than 400 total yards, it would be the first time in Washington
history the Huskies had allowed 400 or more yards to eight
opponents in one season.
While the run defense has struggled -- most notably the 465 yards
rushing allowed to Oregon -- it's been the vulnerability of
Washington's pass defense most apparent in recent weeks.
In the last month, the Huskies allowed a school-record 510 yards
passing to Arizona's Willie Tuitama and last week, Washington
State's Alex Brink set an Apple Cup record throwing for 399 yards.
Perhaps the defining moment of the Huskies season, Washington
State scored the winning touchdown on a 35-yard touchdown pass from
Brink to an uncovered Brandon Gibson.
The reason Gibson was wide open? A communication breakdown
between the defensive coaches and players. Some believed a blitz
was called. Others thought they were supposed to be playing a zone.
The result was a disheartening loss that has reignited the
debate over coach Tyrone Willingham's future with the Huskies.
"We don't have anything to celebrate on this football team
right now," defensive tackle Jordan Reffett said. "This is not a
vacation. This is business."
Stopping Brennan and the Warriors' wide-open passing attack
won't be simple. First, the Huskies must pressure Brennan and make
the Heisman Trophy candidate rush his decisions. That's not easy,
with the Warriors' offense regularly running short, quick screens.
Perhaps as important as getting pressure on Brennan is
corralling his talented group of receivers once they catch the
ball.
"That is a lot of their strength," Williams said. "Their
receivers are very physical and very fast and they like to catch
and turn right up field and get as many yards as they can."
Arguably, the best defense for Washington could be the ability
of the offense to keep the ball away from Brennan's crew. Time of
possession and sustaining drives hasn't been a strength for
Washington.
But last week against Washington State, the Huskies produced a
16-play touchdown drive that ate up more than 7 minutes. Most
impressive, 15 of the 16 plays were runs.
A similar game plan might be the only way the Huskies can stay
close with Hawaii.
"We're really set on going over and ending our season the right
way and do everything we can to make that happen," Washington
quarterback Jake Locker said.