Quarterback Demond Williams holds up four touchdown passes with teammates cheering in LA Bowl and Boise players disappointed

Washington Routs Boise State 38-10 in LA Bowl, Demond Williams Throws Four Touchdowns

Washington’s victory over Boise State in the LA Bowl was a showcase of dominance, as the Huskies scored 38 consecutive points after a field-goal start and finished with a 38-10 win.

A Swift Start and a Second-Quarter Surge

The game opened with a Boise State field goal, but Washington answered with a 78-yard touchdown reception by Denzel Boston. The Huskies then unleashed a second-quarter blitz, with Demond Williams Jr. throwing three of his four touchdown passes in that period. Washington’s offense ran 38 straight points, and the team finished the game with five interceptions, a tally that matched the number of touchdowns they scored.

Demond Williams and the Huskies’ Offensive Firepower

Williams finished the game with 214 passing yards and four touchdowns, the second time he has achieved that stat line in a bowl game after a similar performance in the Sun Bowl last December. He also highlighted the defensive breakdown he saw: “Once I turned around and I saw there was no safeties and my guy running free, I was just trying to make it as catchable as possible,” he said. His fourth touchdown pass went to Raiden Vines-Bright with 1:17 remaining.

Washington’s receiving corps was led by Boston, who hauled in six catches for 125 yards, earning his 11th career receiving touchdown and the 20th of his career, the eighth Huskies receiver to reach that milestone. Dezmen Roebuck, Quentin Moore, and Vines-Bright each caught a touchdown pass, adding to the team’s four-touchdown haul.

Boise State’s Defensive Struggles and Turnovers

Boise State’s offense struggled to find rhythm. Maddux Madsen threw two interceptions in the first half, including a 51-yard throw, before sitting out the remainder of the game. He wore a protective boot while watching the second half after returning from a month’s absence with a lower-leg injury. Max Cutforth finished with 202 yards passing and a late touchdown, but also threw three interceptions-two on consecutive plays. The Broncos were held to 10 points and lost 0-3 in bowl games after their three straight conference titles under coach Spencer Danielson.

Danielson was candid about the quarterback situation, stating, “A lesser competitor wouldn’t have even tried to play in this game. 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.”

Defensive Dominance and Key Plays

Demond Williams throws a touchdown pass to Raiden Vines-Bright with teammates celebrating and Boise State player in backgroun

Washington’s defense was equally decisive. After a 32-yard touchdown catch by Quentin Moore on the first drive after halftime, the Huskies added a 57-yard interception return by Deshawn Lynch for a touchdown. Cutforth’s end-zone interception to Leroy Bryant in the fourth quarter and Lynch’s 57-yard return further showcased Washington’s defensive prowess.

The Huskies’ five interceptions were a blend of forced turnovers and defensive skill, underscoring a game plan that forced Boise State to commit mistakes. The defensive unit’s performance was a direct complement to the offensive outburst, creating a comprehensive victory.

Coach Jedd Fisch and Team Focus

Coach Jedd Fisch, who had no players opt out of bowl participation from a solid Big Ten roster, praised the team’s effort: “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.”

Fisch’s focus on preparation and mindset was evident. He emphasized the mental aspect of the second quarter: “We knew what they were going to play on defense, so that second quarter was just a mentality thing,” Williams added, reflecting the coaching philosophy that prepared the Huskies for a decisive performance.

Looking Ahead for Washington and Boise State

Washington’s 38-point win in the LA Bowl’s fifth and possibly final edition sets a positive tone as the Huskies prepare for a season that could see them contending for the College Football Playoff in 2026, according to Fisch. The team’s performance in a low-stakes game 1,150 miles from Seattle, with 23,269 fans in attendance, demonstrated that distractions-such as potential interest from Michigan-did not derail their focus.

Boise State, meanwhile, will move to the revamped Pac-12 next season, facing a non-conference slate that includes Oregon and Memphis. The Broncos’ future under center remains a topic of discussion, though Danielson dismissed concerns about Madsen’s future performance after the game.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington’s 38-point offensive outburst and five interceptions secured a 38-10 victory over Boise State.
  • Demond Williams Jr. threw four touchdowns and 214 yards, while Denzel Boston added 125 receiving yards and a 78-yard touchdown.
  • Boise State’s quarterbacks-Maddux Madsen and Max Cutforth-combined for five interceptions, reflecting defensive dominance.

The LA Bowl showcased Washington’s balanced strength, with an explosive offense and a stifling defense, while Boise State’s struggles highlighted areas for improvement as they transition to a new conference.

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