The LA Bowl kicks off with the Washington Huskies(8-4) taking on the Boise State Broncos(9-4) on Saturday, 6 p.m. Mountain time at SoFi Stadium. The Huskies come in as solid favorites at -9.5, and for good reason. Washington’s ground game looks like the key to unlocking this one. With runners like Demond Williams Jr., Jonah Coleman, and Adam Mohammed, they’re ready to pounce on a Boise State defense that’s been a bit shaky against rushing attacks this season.
Boise State has struggled when facing tougher competition, dropping games by big margins against Notre Dame and USF. Their quarterback, Maddux Madsen, had a rough time in those matchups, and now he faces a Washington defense ranked 22nd nationally, known for clamping down on scoring. Even without their top receiver Audric Harris, the Huskies still manage to put up decent points, and their balanced offense alongside strong trench play might make the game difficult for the Broncos.
All signs point to Washington controlling the tempo and pulling away comfortably, using this bowl game as a momentum builder for next season. If you’re backing them, expect the Huskies to cover that spread and win by double digits. It’s a tough challenge for Boise State to keep up here, so sit back and watch the Huskies run their game.
I’m on Washington here, and I feel confident laying the number. The Huskies simply have too many matchup advantages, starting with their ground game. Washington averages 168.7 rushing yards per game, and Boise State’s defense allows 164.0 per game, a major weakness that Washington’s trio of Demond Williams Jr., Jonah Coleman, and Adam Mohammed is built to exploit. That advantage alone creates a clear path for Washington to control tempo and wear down the Broncos in the LA Bowl.
Boise State’s résumé outside the Mountain West doesn’t inspire confidence either. In their only two games against winning FBS teams this year, they lost by 21 (Notre Dame) and 27 (USF). That gap in talent becomes even more glaring when you consider Washington’s Big Ten-level athleticism on both sides of the ball. QB Maddux Madsen completed under 60% of his passes in those two losses, with four interceptions and only one touchdown, and he’ll be facing a top-25 pass defense again here.
The Huskies have been extremely reliable as big favorites, going 5-2 ATS when laying nine or more. They’ve shown they can step on lesser teams, and this matchup projects similarly. Even with WR Audric Harris in the portal, Washington’s offense still averages nearly 20.2 points per game, and their defense ranks 22nd nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 19.4 PPG.
Boise State has been solid within the Mountain West, but whenever they stepped up in class, the wheels came off. Washington’s balance, trench play, and rushing edge make this a tough matchup for the Broncos to keep close.
Washington uses this bowl game as a springboard toward 2026, runs the ball at will, and pulls away comfortably. Huskies -9.5 — Washington by double digits.
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