Nebraska defense holds Washington to 3 points for 58 minutes

Nebraska's defense limited Washington to three points over the first 58 and a half minutes of Saturday's contest, yet the Huskers still fell 17-10. The team allowed only 32 rushing yards on 19 attempts, averaging 1.7 yards per carry, and recorded four sacks. Even after adjusting for sacks, Washington managed just 56 rushing yards, or 3.7 yards per attempt.

Kade Pietrzak played a season-high 29 snaps and was credited with three pressures and one sack. Jahsear Whittington added to his season totals, bringing his game to 16 tackles, 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery through eight games. Mason Goldman and Riley Van Poppel also recorded sacks, with Van Poppel playing 23 snaps in his first action since the Maryland game.

The linebacker group produced mixed results. Owen Chambliss played 64 defensive snaps and received his second-lowest overall grade of the season. Washington targeted the San Diego State transfer nine times, completing six passes for 43 yards. In contrast, Vincent Shavers delivered what the source described as his best performance of 2026. Dawson Merritt returned to the lineup for the first time since Maryland, while Dexter Foster played a season-low 17 snaps.

Caleb Benning, filling in for the injured Jamir Conn, posted a team-high grade of 76.8. This followed an 84.2 grade in his first collegiate start against Oregon. Conversely, Andrew Marshall struggled in his second consecutive game. The senior was targeted eight times, allowing four receptions for 50 yards, and drew two penalties. Donovan Jones made plays against the run but allowed seven completions on eight targets for 42 yards in pass coverage.

Washington wide receiver Chris Lawson posted the most receptions by an opposing pass-catcher against Nebraska this fall. He caught 12 passes for 130 yards and scored the go-ahead touchdown. That score put the Huskies ahead 10-7 with 1:30 remaining in the game. The defensive line performed well despite missing starting edge rusher Anthony Jones, who suffered a foot injury against Oregon.