Huskies Roll Past Broncos in LA Bowl
Behind a relentless defense and a four-touchdown performance from quarterback Demond Williams Jr., Washington cruised to a 38-10 victory over Boise State in the LA Bowl, turning five Broncos interceptions into a dominant showing to close the season.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
INGLEWOOD — ’Tis the season of giving, and Boise State gave Washington plenty to unwrap Saturday night at SoFi Stadium.
Behind a relentless defense and a four-touchdown performance from quarterback Demond Williams Jr., Washington cruised to a 38-10 victory over Boise State in the LA Bowl, turning five Broncos interceptions into a dominant showing to close the season.
The Huskies finished 9-4 and earned their fourth win in their last five bowl appearances, while Mountain West Conference champion Boise State closed at 9-5.
Early Stalemate, Then Washington Pulls Away
Boise State struck first when Colton Boomer drilled a 52-yard field goal five minutes into the contest. Washington answered with a field goal on its next possession, and the teams ended the opening quarter tied 3-3.
From there, the game quickly tilted in Washington’s favor.
Williams ignited the Huskies’ offense in the second quarter, throwing three of his four touchdown passes in a span of less than 10 minutes. The surge began with a blown coverage that allowed Denzel Boston to sprint free for a 78-yard touchdown reception midway through the period.
Washington added two more touchdowns before halftime, building a commanding 24-3 advantage heading into the locker room and effectively putting the game out of reach.
Defense Sets the Tone
While Washington outgained Boise State 355-311 overall, the difference came in takeaways and field position. The Huskies’ defense intercepted five passes and consistently pressured Boise State quarterbacks into hurried decisions.
Washington scored 38 consecutive points after surrendering Boomer’s opening-drive field goal and tacked on another touchdown on its first possession of the second half to stretch the lead to 31-3.
Dezmen Roebuck, Raiden Vines-Bright and Quentin Moore each caught touchdown passes, showcasing the depth of Washington’s receiving corps.
Williams Caps Sophomore Season in Style
Williams completed 214 yards passing and threw four touchdown passes, marking the second time in his career he has tossed four scores in a bowl game. He also accomplished the feat in last season’s Sun Bowl, capping what has been a dynamic sophomore campaign.
Boston continued to etch his name into Washington’s record book. The junior hauled in six passes for 126 yards and a touchdown, giving him 11 receiving scores this season and 20 for his career — making him the eighth Huskies receiver to reach that milestone.
No Opt-Outs, Full Commitment
Washington head coach Jedd Fisch credited his team’s mindset and preparation, noting that none of the Huskies’ Big Ten roster opted out of the bowl game.
“They treated the game as we asked them to, which is a championship game, a championship opportunity,” Fisch said. “As we’re sitting here with nine wins, really proud of our players, and tonight was a great football game.”
That commitment showed in Washington’s physical play and attention to detail from the opening kickoff.
Broncos Struggle at Quarterback
Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen endured a difficult night, throwing two interceptions while managing just 51 passing yards in the first half before giving way to backup Max Cutforth. Madsen, playing in his second game back after missing a month with a lower-leg injury, watched the second half wearing a protective boot.
“A lesser competitor wouldn’t have even tried to play in this game,” Boise State coach Spencer Danielson said. “That’s our quarterback. Do we need to get better? Do we need to improve? Are we going to compete? All yes, but I’m unwavering in the fact that I believe in Maddux Madsen.”
Cutforth finished with 202 passing yards and a late touchdown but also threw three interceptions — including two on consecutive plays — as Washington continued to capitalize on mistakes.
Boise State finally reached the end zone late in the fourth quarter when Cutforth connected with Matt Lauter on an 8-yard touchdown pass.
Bowl’s Uncertain Future
The victory marked Washington’s LA Bowl debut in what was the fifth — and possibly final — edition of the postseason game created in tandem with SoFi Stadium, which opened in 2020 as home to the Rams and Chargers. Bowl officials have not confirmed reports that the game may not be played next season.
For now, Washington leaves Southern California with momentum, confidence and another bowl trophy — while Boise State heads into the offseason searching for answers after a turnover-filled night on college football’s postseason stage.
