Muhammad Will Face Unique Challenge Against Oregon State

The Beavers will test Washington's secondary with a lot of speed.

Thanks in large part to the addition of cornerback Jabbar Muhammad, the Washington Huskies' secondary has improved in a big way. The back end of the defense is tied for second in the Pac-12 with 11 interceptions and will be tested by Oregon State's passing attack.

Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei is averaging 225 yards per game through the air this year and is aided by wide receivers Anthony Gould and Silas Bolden, who are a different threat compared to the pass catchers the Huskies have faced this season.

Gould and Bolden are both listed at 5-foot-8, incredibly tough to tackle in space and have been recognized for their athleticism on special teams. Gould was named to the Sporting News first-team All-America unit as a return specialist, while Bolden was honored at the same position on the All Pac-12 second team.

Muhammad has held his own against multiple bigger receivers this season, including Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan and Oregon's Troy Franklin. Now, the smaller, quicker receivers and Oregon State's quick passing game will ask Washington's top cornerback to display a different part of his game.

Uiagalelei likes throwing screens to his top receivers, allowing them to make plays after the catch, which will force Muhammad to come downhill and tackle. That's one area in which the junior from DeSoto, Texas, has excelled this season.

Muhammad is tied with edge rusher Bralen Trice for the team lead in tackles for loss with 5. He's also sixth among Husky defenders in tackles with 36 and will certainly have his work cut out for him against Oregon State's lightning-quick receiving corps.

However, if coach Jonathan Smith decides to attack Washington's defense downfield, Muhammad and the rest of the secondary will have a golden opportunity to record a few turnovers. Uiagalelei has thrown only 4 interceptions this season, but has been picked off 21 times in his college career.

If Washington's front seven can contain Oregon State's running game and force the Beavers into obvious passing situations, the secondary could end up as the difference in the top 10 matchup. Muhammad has been a vital member of the Husky defense and has another opportunity to make an impact for co-defensive coordinator Chuck Morrell's unit as Washington attempts to move to 11-0.

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