GAME RECAP: Huskies Dominate Broncos in Final LA Bowl

by Isabella Lyons

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The fifth and final Bucked Up LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk lived up to its host’s party reputation in one way: the Washington Huskies threw a touchdown celebration all night long. Sophomore quarterback Demond Williams Jr. threw for four touchdowns, and a relentless Huskies defense picked off Boise State five times as Washington cruised to a convincing 38-10 victory over the Broncos at SoFi Stadium on Saturday night.

The 8-4 Huskies (now 9-4) capped their second season under head coach Jedd Fisch with a dominant performance, scoring 38 unanswered points after an early Boise State field goal. No players opted out for Washington, and their full-strength roster overwhelmed the Mountain West champion Broncos (9-5), who struggled mightily on offense after starting quarterback Maddux Madsen exited in the second half with a reaggravated leg injury.

Washington won the coin toss and deferred, giving Boise State the opening possession. The Broncos marched efficiently before stalling, and Colton Boomer nailed a 52-yard field goal to put Boise State up 3-0 early.

The Huskies responded with a drive of their own, featuring a nice run by Jonah Coleman, but settled for a field goal to tie it at 3-3 after Demond Williams Jr. faced pressure.

Boise State’s next drive ended abruptly when Xe’ree Alexander intercepted Madsen and returned it 29 yards, setting up Washington deep in Broncos territory. After a few plays, the second quarter began with the score still knotted.

The Huskies wasted little time breaking the deadlock. On 3rd & 10, Williams Jr. scrambled briefly before unleashing a 78-yard bomb to a wide-open Denzel Boston for the game’s first touchdown. Washington 10, Boise State 3.

Boise State went three-and-out on their next series, including an incomplete pass on 3rd & 1 after Madsen’s short rush.

Washington capitalized again. Williams Jr. connected with freshman Dezmen Roebuck for a touchdown from close range, pushing the lead to 16-3 (the extra point was blocked or missed in the sequence).

The Broncos’ woes continued as Rahshawn Clark intercepted Madsen, giving the Huskies prime field position. Jonah Coleman powered up the middle for big gains, including a 14-yarder to the 3-yard line. Williams Jr. then hit Raiden Vines-Bright for a short TD pass, making it 24-3 at halftime.

Opening the second half with the ball, Washington kept rolling. Coleman ripped off a 25-yard run, and a few plays later, Williams Jr. found tight end Quentin Moore for a 32-yard touchdown strike. Moore celebrated with a classic Gronk spike — earning an unsportsmanlike conduct flag but delighting the crowd in the Gronk-hosted bowl. Washington 31, Boise State 3.

The third quarter featured punts and defensive stands from both sides, with Boise State unable to mount a sustained drive.

Early in the fourth, Leroy Bryant picked off a pass, handing the ball back to Washington. A fumble by Coleman gave it right back to the Broncos, but Deshawn Lynch soon intercepted another, returning it 57 yards to set up 1st & goal. After a short completion (including a tricky lateral-style pass to Williams Jr.), Coleman punched in a 6-yard touchdown run. Washington 38, Boise State 3.

Bryant added his second interception shortly after, allowing backup quarterback Kai Horton to enter for Williams Jr. The drive stalled with an incomplete pass.

Late in the game, backup QB Max Cutforth led Boise State on a drive that finally reached the end zone, connecting with tight end Matt Lauter for a touchdown to make the final score 38-10.

Williams Jr. finished with around 215 passing yards and four TDs, spreading the wealth to Boston (including the 78-yarder), Roebuck, Vines-Bright, and Moore. Coleman added 85-86 rushing yards and a score in his final collegiate game. Boston hauled in six catches for 125 yards.

Defensively, the Huskies feasted with five picks: two from Bryant, and one each from Alexander, Clark, and Lynch.

For Boise State, the loss marked another tough bowl outing after three straight Mountain West titles. Madsen was limited before exiting, and Cutforth threw multiple interceptions while managing a late TD.

The Huskies earn their fourth bowl win in the last five games, sending a strong message heading into next season. As for the LA Bowl itself — it’s been a fun ride, but this Gronk-party finale belonged to Washington.