Defense holds up in Washington scrimmage

SEATTLE – Seven spring practices is by any definition a small sample size. But after a Saturday workout that included the most extensive scrimmaging yet for the Huskies, quarterback Keith Price said he’s seen enough to make an assessment of his team’s defense.

“They are definitely getting better,” he said. “It’s tough because they are throwing different kinds of looks at me that I haven’t seen before and it’s a matter of me adjusting. So next week, the offense should be ripping.”

 A defense last seen allowing 67 points to Baylor in the Alamo Bowl got the better of the offense. During a roughly 30-play live tackling session featuring five series of the No. 1 and 2 offense going against the No. 1 and No. 2 defense, the offense didn’t score.

 The best chance for the offense was thwarted when junior safety Sean Parker picked off one of Price’s throws near the goal line to end one drive.

 On another possession led by Price, linebacker John Timu broke through to stop Bishop Sankey (Gonzaga Prep) short on a fourth-and-1 from the 26. During a live contact goal-line session, the defense won, stopping the offense on six of 11 tries.

Such performances haven’t been uncommon this spring as the defense – featuring four new coaches, including coordinator Justin Wilcox – has more than held its own.