Boise State and Washington: A Bowl Game Showdown

A Clash of Contrasting Seasons

The 2025-26 college football bowl season begins with an exciting matchup between Boise State and Washington in the Bucked Up LA Bowl. This isn't just any opening game—it's a showdown between two teams with vastly different seasons and a lot to prove.

Boise State: A Rollercoaster Year

Boise State has had a rollercoaster season. They secured their third straight Mountain West title, but the journey wasn't smooth. Early losses to South Florida and Notre Dame, combined with injuries to key players, made their path challenging. However, the return of quarterback Maddux Madsen was a game-changer, leading them to a convincing win in the conference title game.

Washington: Building Momentum

Washington, meanwhile, is building momentum. After a rebuilding year in 2024, they've improved significantly, finishing 8-4. Their offense, led by quarterback Demond Williams, is a force to be reckoned with. They've proven they can compete with top teams, even if they didn't always come out on top.

Head-to-Head History

The Huskies have the upper hand in their head-to-head history, winning the last two meetings. But Boise State's ground game, averaging 188.4 yards per contest, is a challenge Washington's strong run defense will need to tackle.

Defensive Showdown

Boise State's defense has shown resilience, especially against dual-threat quarterbacks. However, stopping Washington's high-powered offense, which averages 33.8 points per game, will be their toughest test yet.

Washington's defense is no slouch either. They excel at stopping the run, which is Boise State's biggest strength. It's a battle of strengths and weaknesses, with both teams having clear advantages and vulnerabilities.

Prediction: A Close Game

Predicting the winner isn't straightforward. Boise State's balanced offense and experienced defense give them a fighting chance. But Washington's explosive offense and improved defense make them the favorites. Expect a close game, but Washington's firepower might just edge it out.