Instant Analysis: Washington exposes flaws in Boise State’s 12-win football team
Final score: Washington 38, Boise State 7
Records: Boise State finished 12-2; Washington finished 8-5
Why the Broncos lost: Washington is better — and the Huskies’ coaching staff did a far better job preparing its team for the Las Vegas Bowl. Boise State’s offense was completely out of sync in the first half, and the Broncos were far too late in making the decision to insert senior quarterback Jaylon Henderson in the third quarter. True freshman Hank Bachmeier, who hadn’t played in seven weeks, started the game — and coach Bryan Harsin said that decision was unrelated to Henderson missing two practices with illness.
That decision was understandable — Bachmeier was 7-0 this season — but not the decision to stick with him so long. It was 24-0 and Bachmeier had thrown two ugly interceptions before Harsin made the change.
[Related: Emotional loss for Boise State; Broncos’ big loss was all about coaching; Chris Petersen leaves with another big win; Boise State extends nation-best streak; Scoring summary]
It was the final game of coach Chris Petersen’s Washington career, and his players delivered a fantastic performance for him.
Boise State coach Bryan Harsin, on the other hand, watched his team give the worst bowl performance in school history. The loss was the Broncos’ worst since the 2013 season opener at Washington (38-6) and their worst with Harsin on staff since the 2005 season opener at Georgia (48-13).
What it means: This was a flawed Top 25 team all season — from the offensive line struggles to the offensive inconsistency to the defensive breakdowns late in the year. The Broncos needed a little magic to go 12-1 with eight comeback wins. The Huskies — with the talent of a Top 25 team despite their record — showed that this Boise State team was good but not great.
The Broncos go into 2020 with some talent at the skill positions but will have to rebuild both lines. A win against the Huskies likely would have resulted in a preseason Top 25 selection but that seems unlikely now.
Player of the game: Washington defensive back Elijah Molden was named MVP after posting nine tackles, an interception and a forced fumble.
Play of the game: Boise State had some momentum early in the second half after a quick defensive stop. But Bachmeier threw too high on an attempted screen pass and Molden intercepted. His 31-yard return set up another Huskies touchdown for a 24-0 lead.
What’s next: Boise State opens the 2020 season at home vs. Georgia Southern.
This story was originally published December 21, 2019 at 8:47 PM.
