INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Bowl season opened with a statement performance from the Washington Huskies, as quarterback Demond Williams Jr. fired four touchdown passes and the Huskies’ defense produced five interceptions in a commanding 38–10 victory over the Boise State Broncos on Saturday night in the LA Bowl.
Washington (9–4) seized control early and never let go, scoring 38 unanswered points after allowing a field goal on Boise State’s opening possession. Williams threw three of his touchdown passes in a dominant second quarter, turning the game into a rout before halftime.
The Huskies struck quickly when Denzel Boston broke free down the middle of the field for a 78-yard touchdown reception. From there, the floodgates opened. Dezmen Roebuck, Raiden Vines-Bright, and Quentin Moore all found the end zone as Washington scored four touchdowns in a span of less than 13 minutes bridging halftime.
“We treated this like a championship opportunity,” said Washington head coach Jedd Fisch. “I’m extremely proud of our players. This was a great football game.”
No Opt-Outs, No Letdown
Washington arrived in Los Angeles with its Big Ten roster fully intact, and the lack of opt-outs showed. The Huskies physically overwhelmed the Mountain West champions, using precision passing, disciplined defense, and relentless pressure to control all three phases.
Williams finished 214 yards passing and matched a career high with four touchdown throws in a bowl game for the second consecutive season, having accomplished the same feat last year in the Sun Bowl. Boston caught six passes for 125 yards and his 11th touchdown of the season, potentially his final game in purple and gold.
“We knew what they were going to do defensively,” Williams said. “That second quarter was all about mentality.”
Running back Jonah Coleman added 86 rushing yards and a touchdown in his final game at Washington, helping balance an offense that looked in complete control.
Boise State Overwhelmed
Boise State (9–5) struggled mightily at quarterback. Starter Maddux Madsen threw two interceptions in the first half before exiting the game. Playing in just his second contest after returning from a lower-leg injury, Madsen later watched the second half wearing a protective boot.
“A lesser competitor wouldn’t have even tried to play,” said Boise State coach Spencer Danielson. “That’s our quarterback, and I believe in him.”
Backup Max Cutforth fared no better, tossing three interceptions — including two on consecutive snaps — before finishing with 202 passing yards and a late touchdown. Washington capitalized on nearly every mistake, including interception returns by Rahshawn Clark, Leroy Bryant, and a 57-yard return by 295-pound edge rusher Deshawn Lynch.
A Fitting Bowl Debut
The Huskies were making their first appearance in the LA Bowl, played at SoFi Stadium in what could be the final edition of the game. Washington dominated from start to finish in front of 23,269 fans, never allowing Boise State to regain momentum.
Despite external speculation about potential interest from Michigan Wolverines, Fisch dismissed distractions.
“I’m fully focused on our team,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Boise State heads into a new era next season as part of the revamped Pac-12, opening with a daunting nonconference slate that includes matchups against Oregon Ducks and Memphis Tigers.
Washington, meanwhile, exits bowl season with momentum. With a strong foundation and continuity under Fisch, the Huskies believe this performance is only a preview of what’s ahead — including realistic College Football Playoff aspirations in 2026.
