Washington kicked off its time in the Big Ten Conference with a strong win, thanks in large part to its impressive defense.
Will Rogers threw two touchdown passes in the first half to Denzel Boston, and Jonah Coleman added a touchdown run in the second half as Washington defeated Northwestern 24-5 on Saturday night.
The Huskies (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten) bounced back from a tough loss to rival Washington State last week by dominating the Wildcats.
Washington’s defense limited Northwestern to just 112 total yards, made two interceptions, and had a key goal-line stand in the fourth quarter.
“Our defense just played extraordinary. I don’t really know if there’s many other good adjectives to describe (it),” said Washington coach Jedd Fisch.
Rogers excelled in the first half, connecting with Boston for touchdowns of 46 yards and 13 yards.
Coleman scored an 8-yard touchdown less than a minute into the fourth quarter, following a great catch and an impressive hurdle over Northwestern’s Evan Smith on a 16-yard reception.
Rogers completed 20 of 28 passes for 223 yards, while Boston had seven catches for a personal-best 121 yards.
“It’s going to go down in the books that we won our first game in the Big Ten,” Boston said. “I think that’s a big thing not only for us but for our alumni to see us continuing what they began years ago. It’s exciting. A great beginning to a new start.”
The Wildcats (2-2, 0-1) were without their top running back, Cam Porter, due to an injury. Porter had been their leading rusher, and his absence hurt the offense.
Northwestern managed only 59 rushing yards, and it was clear they struggled against Washington’s defensive front, especially near the goal line.
Washington defensive lineman Isaiah Ward mentioned that the Huskies wanted to “show we could stop the run” this week.
