Washington Defense Facing New Test in Minnesota QB Drake Lindsey

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For the first time this season, the Washington Huskiesdefense will face a true pocket passer in Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey. As opposed to the three dual-threat signal callers the Huskies faced in non-conference play, the Golden Gophers' junior signal caller presents a much different skill set than what Ryan Walters' unit has seen so far this year.

In each of the first three games of the season, opposing quarterbacks led their teams in rushing against the Huskies. Utah State's Grady Brosterhous had the most success out of the bunch, carrying the ball 21 times for 81 yards in a 16-14 loss for the Aggies. The feat comes as a credit to the Washington front seven, which currently boasts the No. 6 rushing defense in the Big Ten, allowing just 105.6 yards per game.

While Lindsey's legs don't pose a serious threat, his arm talent certainly does. In his first full year as a starter last season, the sophomore threw for 2,382 yards and 18 touchdowns with just 6 interceptions. Now returning for his third year in P.J. Fleck's offense, the savvy passer has the ability to find thread small windows in the secondary and push the ball downfield.

Fortunately for the Huskies, they've also shown off their ball-hawking ability on the back end, with five interceptions through their first three games. Led by fourth-year safety Alex McLaughlin, Washington's defensive backs line up all over the field in Walters' scheme, especially when the aggressive signal caller decides to dial up unexpected pressure from the outside.

With Minnesota star running back Darius Taylor dealing with an injury and listed as probable for Saturday's game, the Huskies have an opportunity to take advantage of a Golden Gophers' running game that currently ranks No. 17 in the Big Ten. By putting Lindsey and the offense in obvious passing situations, it allows the back end of Walters' defense to create stops and generate turnovers for Jedd Fisch's offense.

Although starting cornerback Emmanuel Karnley is listed as questionable for Saturday, Washington has plenty of depth and athleticism to move different pieces around the field, including true freshman Jeron Jones. With the level of competition taking a major leap entering Big Ten play, the Huskies' defense will look to stay dominant against a much different offense than it has seen this season.

This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Washington Defense Facing New Test in Minnesota QB Drake Lindsey

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