# Washington's defense is carrying the Huskies > UW's defense ranks nationally in turnovers while the offense struggles to find its rhythm through two games. - Title: Washington's defense is carrying the Huskies | Shortify - Summary: UW's defense ranks nationally in turnovers while the offense struggles to find its rhythm through two games. Washington's defense leads the nation in… - Keywords: washington huskies, uw football, jedd fisch, rahshawn clark, alex mclaughlin, jacob manu, college football, defense, turnovers, utah state, interceptions, sports - Source: Washington Huskies On SI — https://si.com/college/washington/football/breaking-down-a-uw-defense-that-s-been-extra-stingy-01m2jxvd1df8 - Published: 2026-09-15T22:09:46+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: washington huskies, uw football, jedd fisch, rahshawn clark, alex mclaughlin, jacob manu, college football, defense, turnovers, utah state, interceptions, sports ## Defense wins the Utah State game Washington beat Utah State 16-14 on a late interception by nickelback Rahshawn Clark, who returned it 57 yards to seal the victory. ## Offense struggles, defense delivers The Husky defense has stayed enthusiastic and effective while the offense has struggled to get going through two games. > I think our defense did some exceptional things, continuing to take the ball away at a high level ## Tied for first in interceptions Washington ranks tied for first nationally with 5 interceptions and tied for third with Notre Dame in turnover margin at plus-6. ## Injuries haven't slowed them down The defense has remained tough despite losing two starters, defensive tackle Elinneus Davis and cornerback Manny Karnley, to leg injuries. ## Run defense is suffocating The longest gain by any opposing running back through two games has been just 8 yards by Washington State's Kirby Vorhees. ## Jacob Lane leads edge rush Fourth-year player Jacob Lane has started both games with 6 tackles and is tied for the team lead with 3 tackles for loss. ## Freshman Fruean shows promise Freshman starter Ramzak Fruean has 6 tackles and a pass break-up. He's overdue for his first sack given his playmaking ability. ## Colman-Brusa lives up to hype Freshman defensive tackle Derek Colman-Brusa ranks fourth on the team with 7 tackles, 2 TFLs, a sack, and deflected a pass that became an interception. ## Jacob Manu is everywhere Fifth-year linebacker Jacob Manu ranks second on the team with 13 tackles, including a TFL, a sack, and a quarterback hurry in two starts. ## Rainey-Sale brings big play potential Zaydrius Rainey-Sale won the starting linebacker job and has 3 tackles. He's always a turnover waiting to happen with his speed and athleticism. ## Dylan Robinson makes an impact Second-year cornerback Dylan Robinson has been noticeable with 9 tackles, third on the team, and one of the Huskies' 5 interceptions. ## Karnley injury opens door for Jones Virginia transfer Manny Karnley will likely miss the Eastern Washington game with a soft-tissue injury. Jeron Jones will replace him at cornerback. ## Alex McLaughlin is playing like a pro Safety Alex McLaughlin leads the team with 15 tackles, 3 TFLs, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions and 2 pass break-ups. He's playing like he's NFL bound. > He has a fifth year he could use at the UW in 2027, but he's playing like he's only NFL bound after this season ## Dillard-Allen completes safety duo Rylon Dillard-Allen gives Washington two hard-hitting safeties alongside McLaughlin. He has 5 tackles and a pass break-up in two starts. ## Nickelback rotation stays flexible Freshman Jeron Jones started at nickel in game one, gave way to Rahshawn Clark in game two, and will likely start at corner against Eastern Washington. ## Key takeaway Washington's defense leads the nation in interceptions and turnover margin, compensating for an underperforming offense.