Defense played a big part of Washington's trip to the College Football Playoff last year, and one key member of that defense will miss Friday night's season-opener at Rutgers.
Azeem Victor, a preseason Associated Press first-team All-American, has been suspended for violation of team rules, coach Chris Petersen announced during his Monday press conference.
"Azeem's a good guy...you have team standards, you live by them." -Petersen on Azeem Victor one game suspension
— Dave Softy Mahler (@Softykjr) August 28, 2017
A two-year starter, Victor had 67 tackles including three for loss last season before a broken leg suffered early in the loss to USC -- Washington's only loss of the regular season -- ended his junior campaign. Despite the injury, Victor finished the season tied for third on the team in tackles and came back to participate in spring practice.
As a sophomore in 2015, Victor had a team-high 95 tackles, nine for loss and a pick six for the Huskies.
Washington was picked by the media to repeat as Pac-12 North champions last month. The Huskies are 27.5-point favorites over the home-standing Scarlet Knights according to Sportsline.
