
By Nick Bartlett, SuperWest Sports
December 21, 2019
Washington (7-5, 4-5) vs. #19 Boise State (12-1, 8-0)
Saturday, December 21, 2019
4:30 p.m. PT, ABC
Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
What the Huskies Must Do to Win

While Washington is the more talented team, recruiting stars alone won’t win this game. We’ve seen that confirmed throughout the season with the Huskies losing to inferior competition. For the Huskies to avoid another slip-up they’ll need to play power football. The Dawgs field one of the best offensive lines in the Pac-12, and they’ll need to lean on it throughout the contest. Running back Salvon Ahmed could have his best performance of the season as a result, provided Washington commits to getting him the ball consistently. Quarterback Jacob Eason needs to manage the game and not force throws, especially on third down conversions—a category in which UW ranks dead last in the Conference. It won’t help to be without tight end Hunter Bryant, the team’s leading receiver, who caught 52 balls for 825 yards and three touchdowns in the regular season. Graduate senior offensive lineman Trey Adams has also chosen to sit out the bowl to prep for the NFL Draft. Fortunately, UW has the depth to pick up the slack.

On defense, the Huskies should be able to stop the Broncos easily enough, given their size advantage and athleticism. The Dawgs may want to implement a man-to-man scheme, forcing Boise State receivers to win in one-on-one battles, while also bringing pressure on BSU quarterback Jaylon Henderson. Washington needs to play physical early on, leaving the Broncos wondering what hit them. Otherwise, as Boise State demonstrated against a talented if poorly coached Florida State team in Tallahassee last August, discipline and an effective game plan can go a long way toward countering the advantages of recruiting disparity.
What the Broncos Must Do to Win

First and foremost, the Broncos must find a way to keep from being pushed around by Washington. Much like a Marshal Arts fighter, BSU needs to counteract the Huskies’ size and strength by keeping their defense off balance. One way to accomplish this would be to run a litany of screens and draws to slow down the UW pass rush. Boise State also must get exceptionally smart play from Henderson at quarterback. The athletic senior doesn’t need to throw 50-yard bombs downfield; just dink-and-dunk the Huskies early, setting up the deep pass later in the contest. The Broncos have done an excellent job of moving the chains this season, in the air and on the ground, converting on a remarkable 49% of their third-down tries. Running back George Holani should be able to find seams in a Washington run defense that’s been inconsistent all year. His main focus should be protecting the ball, as a fumble in this matchup could be a backbreaker.

On defense, the Broncos need to find a way to stop the run, making Eason beat them with his arm. They may consider stacking the box to complement Curtis Weaver, one of the nation’s best edge rushers, who has the ability to pressure Eason into making ill-advised throws. Weaver, the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year, as well the Conference’s all-time sack leader, has 13.5 sacks this season. If the Bronco defense can make Washington’s offense one-dimensional, Boise State’s chances of winning increase exponentially, especially if it can create a game-changing turnover.
Notes: The all-time series is tied at 2-2, with Boise State winning the last matchup in 2015. This is Washington’s 40th appearance in a bowl game. BSU has appeared in 19 bowls, winning 12. The Broncos are 4-0 all-time in the Las Vegas Bowl. Petersen began his head coaching career at BSU, where he posted a 92-12 record before going 54-26 in his six years at Washington. Husky quarterback Eason has thrown for 2,922 yards, 22 touchdowns, and eight interceptions this season. Henderson has thrown for 1,032 yards, 11 touchdowns, and two interceptions this season. Ahmed has rushed for 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns for the Dawgs. Holani has rushed for 979 yards and seven touchdowns for the Broncos.
Washington | KEY STATS AND INFO | Boise State |
---|---|---|
Pac-12 North | Conference | Mountain West – West |
N/R | CFP Committee Ranking | No. 19 |
31.5 | Points per Game | 36.8 |
20.4 | Points Allowed | 20.6 |
395.4 | Yards per Game | 441.5 |
245.1 | Passing Yards per Game | 267.4 |
150.33 | Rushing Yards per Game | 174.15 |
130.42 | Rushing Yards Allowed per Game | 112.31 |
225.1 | Passing Yards Allowed per Game | 234.4 |
355.5 | Yards Allowed per Game | 346.7 |
Jacob Eason 2,922 yards (22 TDS, 8 INTS) |
Passing Yardage and TD Leaders | Jaylon Henderson 1,032 yards (11 TDs, 2 INTs) |
Salvon Ahmed 1,000 yards, 9 TDs |
Rushing Leaders | George Holani 979 yards, 7 TDs |
Aaron Fuller 673 yards, 6 TDs |
Receiving Leaders | John Hightower 923yards, 8 TDs |
Elijah Molden 70 total tackles |
Defensive Leaders | Riley Whimpey 69 total tackles |
-
Zags Log Two Wins as Gaels, Beavers, and Cougars Split
> Nick Bartlett's notes column on Gonzaga, Oregon State, Saint Mary's, and Washington State - February 11, 2025 -
Saint Mary’s Flying Under Radar Despite 15 Straight Wins
> Nick Bartlett's notes column on Gonzaga, Oregon State, Saint Mary's, and Washington State - February 4, 2025 -
Gaels, Zags, and Beavs on Win Streaks as Cougs go Winless
> Nick Bartlett's notes column on Gonzaga, Oregon State, Saint Mary's, and Washington State - January 28, 2025