PREVIEW AND PREDICTION: Bucked Up LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk

Boise State @ Washington

Saturday, 5:00 PM | SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)

Photographer: Richard Do • Reporter: Isabella Lyons

Live on ABC

PREVIEW:

Bowl Season in 2025 has officially arrived, and it opens under the lights in Inglewood as Boise State takes on Washington in the Bucked Up LA Bowl hosted by Gronk — a matchup featuring two programs eager to build momentum heading into the offseason.

Boise State enters the postseason with confidence after a commanding 38–21 victory over UNLV in the Mountain West Championship. Quarterback Maddux Madsen delivered one of his most efficient outings of the year, throwing for 289 yards and three touchdowns while distributing the ball to a deep and explosive receiving group. The Broncos also found balance on the ground behind Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines, who combined for 139 rushing yards to complement the passing attack. Defensively, Boise State brought pressure all night, finishing with 52 tackles and eight tackles for loss in a dominant performance.

Washington, now competing in the Big Ten, arrives looking to close its season on a high note after flashes of progress late in the year. Freshman quarterback Demond Williams Jr. showed poise and playmaking ability in his final outing, throwing for 129 yards and two touchdowns. The Huskies’ ground game surged behind Adam Mohammed, who rushed for 105 yards on 14 carries, while the defense continued to show fight behind standout efforts from Rylon Dillard-Allen (11 tackles) and Zaydrius Rainey-Sale (one sack, one TFL).

This matchup brings together contrasting strengths: Boise State’s explosive offense and aggressive front seven against Washington’s emerging run game and a defense that has quietly improved down the stretch. Field position, red-zone execution and the ability to limit big plays will shape who walks out of SoFi with the first bowl win of the 2025 postseason.

JP’S PICK:

Washington 27, Boise State 24

The Huskies ride their ground game, create just enough defensive disruption and come through with the key late drive to edge Boise State in a tight, physical opener to bowl season.