The Washington Huskies ended their season with a 38–10 win over Boise State in the LA Bowl hosted by Gronk on Dec. 13. In their final victory of the season, Washington proved that the future is bright. The first quarter was slow, ending in a 3–3 tie. During the second quarter, Washington scored three of its four touchdowns of the evening.
“We knew what they were playing on defense, and it was a matter of execution. I think in the first quarter we weren’t executing enough, and in the second quarter it was a mentality thing. In the huddle, that’s where leadership comes in to remind us to execute every play,” Demond Williams Jr. said.
Demond Williams Jr. led the Huskies by throwing for four touchdowns and 215 passing yards. Denzel Boston recorded Washington’s first touchdown in the second quarter and finished with 126 receiving yards. Jonah Coleman, Quentin Moore, and Dezmen Roebuck also found the end zone for the Huskies. Washington head coach Jedd Fisch said the team entered the LA Bowl with a championship mindset. Fisch commended Williams and said he is hopeful Williams’ leadership will guide the team to another successful season next year.
Photo Cred: Youtube
“I’m really proud of our team. We treated this game as a championship game—a championship opportunity—and we’re sitting with nine wins. Our team had a great week of preparation, and I’m excited about what the future entails,” Fisch said. “I think we’ve got a great season ahead of us, and when you’re led by an elite quarterback, you’ve got the opportunity to win many games.”
Boise State redshirt sophomore Max Cutforth threw the team’s only touchdown late in the game. He completed 15-of-27 passes for 202 passing yards and threw three interceptions. Senior Matt Lauter caught the Broncos’ lone touchdown late in the game. After being credited as “one of the most productive tight ends” in Boise State history, Lauter said he is excited to pass the torch to the younger players.
“I’m grateful for Potter passing to me on the last play of my career—that was cool. All of the other tight ends look up to me, and we have [Matt] Wagner and a few other guys who are going to be special, take over the role, and own it,” Lauter said. “Those guys understand how the room is supposed to operate, and their work ethic—that’s the biggest thing to me.”
Quarterback Maddux Madsen completed 7-of-16 passes for 51 yards. Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson said Madsen battled injury for the majority of the season and credited him for playing in the LA Bowl despite navigating those challenges.
“Maddux Madsen is a warrior, and he’s battled through injury all season. A lesser competitor wouldn’t have even tried to play in the championship game, but Maddux Madsen is an elite competitor, and that’s our quarterback,” Danielson said. “Max Cutforth came in and did some good things. I think the easy answer is to go to the portal, but I believe in Maddux Madsen and Max Cutforth.”
As seniors Matt Lauter and Marco Notarainni look to the future of Boise State football, both players said they are confident in the team’s leadership and resilience as they prepare for next season.
“I think that’s what Coach has instilled in us and what our program is about. It’s about getting back to work, grinding through hard things, and doing the right thing even when it’s hard to do,” Notarainni said. “I know [Sire Gaines] and so many other guys are going to do a great job carrying that torch.”
The LA Bowl began in 2021 at SoFi Stadium and has been sponsored by Jimmy Kimmel and Rob Gronkowski. Reports have swirled that this year may be the final LA Bowl, though nothing has been confirmed.
