Welcome to the Big Ten, Washington.
The Huskies (2-1) will play their first conference game Saturday against Northwestern, looking to rebound from last week’s stinging loss to rival Washington State in the Apple Cup.
Washington opened the season under new coach Jedd Fisch with a pair of convincing wins, but a late fourth-and-goal call in the 24-19 loss to the Cougars cast a cloud over the coach.
Northwestern (2-1) rebounded from a sluggish start to thump Eastern Illinois 31-7 last week but lost to Duke in overtime in its only game against a Power Four school so far.
- Time/TV: 6 p.m. Saturday, FS1.
- Line: Washington by 10½.
- Series: Washington leads 3-0.
Key matchup
Washington’s red-zone offense vs. Northwestern’s defense
The Huskies settled for field goals after driving inside the Washington State 30-yard line and then got stopped on fourth-and-goal from the 1 in the closing moments. Northwestern is allowing just 13 points per game through the first three games and just 57.7 rushing yards per game.
Players to watch
Northwestern: QB Jack Lausch made his first career start against Eastern Illinois and threw for 227 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 62 yards. He was a perfect 11-for-11 in the second half. While that’s an impressive debut against any opponent, the level of competition is a significant step up this week.
Washington: WR Giles Jackson had a huge game against Washington State with eight catches for a career-high 162 yards and a touchdown. Jackson has 24 receptions through three games. His best season came in 2022, when he had 28 catches in 13 games.
Facts & figures
It’s the teams’ first meeting since 1984. All three previous matchups happened between 1980 and ’84, and two of the three were played in Seattle. … Northwestern has allowed just one sack in its first three games. … Washington QB Will Rogers threw for 314 yards and a TD in the Apple Cup. The Mississippi State transfer is completing 77% of his passes. … Washington has won 16 straight games at Husky Stadium. … Northwestern coach David Braun picked up his 10th win last week in 16 games with the Wildcats. It’s the fastest an NU coach has reached 10 wins since Pappy Waldorf in 1935-36.
