The college football bowl season gets rolling with a lively matchup between two Pacific Northwest rivals—Washington and Boise State—in the LA Bowl. It’s shaping up to be a real showdown, with both teams eyeing big milestones and those all-important bragging rights.
Washington wants to wrap up the second year of the Jedd Fisch era with a ninth win. Boise State’s chasing its first win over a Big Ten program and a shot at a 10-win season. With standout players on both sides, this one feels like a can’t-miss for college football fans.
Game Overview: Washington vs. Boise State
Saturday, December 13, at 8 p.m. ET, the Washington Huskies and Boise State Broncos meet at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The game airs live on ABC, and you can stream it on Fubo if that’s more your style.
This is only the seventh time these two have met, and just their third bowl game matchup. Washington enters as a favorite by more than a touchdown, at least according to FanDuel.
Boise State’s Quest for a Milestone Victory
Boise State rolls into the LA Bowl at 9-3, hoping to notch a 10-win season. They’re coming off a big win in the Mountain West Championship Game, which secured their spot in this bowl.
That win marked their third straight conference title—something nobody else has pulled off—and their seventh overall, more than anyone else in the league. Even though they missed out on a College Football Playoff berth, Boise State’s shown a lot of grit and determination this year.
One of the biggest storylines? The Broncos are chasing a historic win over a Big Ten team. That would be a huge deal for them and a real feather in the cap for head coach Andy Avalos.
They’ve faced some hurdles, like figuring out life after former Heisman Trophy finalist Ashton Jeanty. Instead of leaning on one guy, Boise State’s used a trio of running backs—Dylan Riley, Sire Gaines, and Malik Sherrod—who’ve piled up 2,752 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns together.
Washington’s Pursuit of Momentum
For Washington, the LA Bowl is a chance to close the season strong and build a little momentum. Head coach Jedd Fisch has led them to an impressive season, even though the College Football Playoff was just out of reach.
With an 8-4 record, Washington’s looking to lock up that ninth win and set the stage for what could be a pretty exciting third year under Fisch.
Key Players to Watch
Washington’s got a versatile running back in Jonah Coleman, a CBS Sports Midseason All-American. Coleman has racked up a Big Ten-best 16 total touchdowns in 11 games, which is no small feat.
He dealt with a knee injury in November, but he’s expected to be a big factor in the LA Bowl. If he’s close to full strength, Coleman could see 15-20 touches and probably find the end zone at least once.
Defensively, Washington’s been steady and tough. Their defense is ranked No. 22 in scoring defense nationally, holding opponents under three touchdowns in most games. That includes some solid showings against Ohio State, Illinois, Michigan, and Oregon.
Keeping Boise State’s offense in check will be a big part of their game plan.
Boise State’s Offensive Arsenal
Boise State’s offense is led by quarterback Maddux Madsen, who bounced back from a lower leg injury to deliver a big performance in the Mountain West Championship Game. That effort earned him the game’s MVP honors, and he’ll be one to watch in the LA Bowl.
The Broncos also have their dynamic running back trio—Dylan Riley, Sire Gaines, and Malik Sherrod—who’ve brought some new energy and versatility to the backfield.
Challenges and Opportunities
Still, Boise State’s got some hurdles to clear. They’ve struggled against Power Four teams, scoring just seven total points in four games this season, including a 28-7 loss to Notre Dame. That inconsistency could be tough to overcome against Washington’s offense.
Washington, meanwhile, has shown they can light up non-Big Ten opponents, putting up at least 38 points in those matchups. Their trio—Demond Williams Jr., Denzel Boston, and Jonah Coleman—will be key in trying to pull away for a comfortable win.
Prediction and Betting Insights
Right now, Washington’s favored by 9.5 points. Their defense and offense both look strong, and it’s easy to see why they’re expected to win.
But Boise State’s got fight, and if their key players step up, this could be closer than folks think. Guess we’ll see which team shows up when it matters.
Where to Watch
You can catch the action live on ABC. If streaming’s more your thing, Fubo has you covered.
For more detailed insights and predictions, check out the CBS Sports website.
The college football bowl season is finally here, and the Washington vs. Boise State matchup in the LA Bowl is shaping up to be a good one. Both teams are chasing big milestones this year.
Honestly, fans should brace themselves for a contest packed with standout plays and maybe a few surprises. It’s got all the ingredients for a memorable night.
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