LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk, Presented by Stifel
Saturday, 8 p.m. (ET) | ABC
SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, Calif.
Washington (-10) vs. Boise State
Boise State: Competitive, but tested by step-ups
Boise State enters the LA Bowl with its familiar reputation as a program that usually shows well in postseason play, even if recent results suggest that edge has dulled somewhat. The Broncos are 1–3 in their last four bowl games, and this season featured clear struggles against stronger competition. Losses to Notre Dame, Fresno State, San Diego State, and South Florida weren’t just defeats — several were decisive, exposing depth and speed issues when Boise State was forced to play outside its comfort zone.
Quarterback Maddux Madsen was the steady hand on offense, throwing for roughly 2,300 yards while operating a controlled passing attack built on timing and efficiency rather than explosive plays. Boise State leaned on a committee-run game led by Dylan Riley and Sire Gaintes, effective situationally but lacking a single dominant back who could consistently flip field position against physical fronts. The Broncos averaged just over 30 points per game, though that number dipped significantly against defenses capable of disrupting the pocket and limiting yards after contact. Defensively, Boise State flashed opportunism but gave up too many chunk plays in the secondary, a recurring issue when matched with bigger, more athletic receiving corps.
Washington: Battle-tested in Year 2 under Fisch
Washington’s eight wins came against a far more demanding slate. In Year 2 under head coach Jedd Fisch, the Huskies showed increasing comfort and cohesion while navigating Big Ten competition. Losses to Michigan, Ohio State, and Oregon were decisive, but those opponents represent a much higher tier than anyone Boise State faced this season. Outside of those matchups, Washington was competitive on a weekly basis and continued to trend upward as the year progressed.
Quarterback Demond Williams brought veteran poise to the offense, throwing for 2,800-plus yards while efficiently distributing the ball to a deep and athletic group of receivers. Washington’s offense wasn’t always explosive, but it was balanced and reliable, particularly in the red zone. Defensively, the Huskies held up well against Big Ten physicality, allowing fewer than 20 points per game overall and about 24 per game against Michigan, Ohio State and Oregon. The front seven consistently limited the run, and the secondary proved capable of handling quality passing attacks.
Washington’s recent bowl résumé also matters. The Huskies have played on major stages in recent seasons — the Alamo Bowl in 2022, a College Football Playoff appearance two years ago, and a high-scoring Sun Bowl thriller last season. While speculation linking Fisch to the vacant Michigan coaching job could create background noise, this is a program that has become accustomed to spotlight moments.
Prediction: Talent and schedule strength tip the scales
Boise State’s discipline and pride should keep this game competitive, and the Broncos are capable of landing early punches if Washington isn’t sharp. Still, the broader picture favors the Huskies. Washington’s eight wins were earned against a much higher weekly standard, and the size, depth, and athleticism advantages — particularly along the lines of scrimmage and in the passing game — should assert themselves as the night goes on.
This will likely be more competitive than the 10-point spread suggests for much of the game, but Washington’s balance and Big Ten seasoning should be enough to keep Boise State at bay.
Prediction: Washington 38, Boise State 30
Copyright © 2025 by Doug DeBolt.
