The LA Bowl is set to conclude its six-year run on Saturday with a matchup between Boise State and Washington, where the stakes are high for both teams. This game could potentially mark the end of head coach Jedd Fisch’s tenure at Washington, as speculation grows about his future following recent coaching changes at other programs.
Fisch’s connection to Michigan, where he served as a coach under Jim Harbaugh, has led to him being mentioned as a candidate for the Wolverines’ vacant head coaching position. Following the dismissal of coach Sherrone Moore, who was let go due to an investigation into inappropriate conduct, reports have surfaced about Fisch’s likelihood of returning to Ann Arbor. Under his leadership, Washington has enjoyed a successful season, finishing with an 8-4 record, while showing promise in developing sophomore quarterback Demond Williams Jr.
Meanwhile, for Boise State, the game presents a critical opportunity to break a challenging streak. The Broncos have not won against a Power Four team since defeating Florida State at the start of the 2019 season, and they currently stand at 0-9 against such competition. Most recently, they’ve faced defeats at the hands of major programs like Notre Dame, Penn State, and Oregon. Their last encounter in the LA Bowl resulted in a loss to UCLA, further heightening the urgency for a victory this time around.
Another point of interest is the stability of Washington’s offense, which has had its ups and downs. In their most recent games, Washington has struggled, recording just 31 points over three losses. The quarterback, Demond Williams Jr., faced significant challenges during this stretch, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns. This inconsistency raises questions about which version of the Huskies’ offense will appear against Boise State.
On the other side, Boise State’s Maddux Madsen has been recovering from injuries sustained in a game against Fresno State. His absence saw the Broncos drop two out of four games, but he made a notable comeback during the Mountain West championship game, throwing for 289 yards and three touchdowns. As the Broncos look to improve their performance against top-tier opponents, fans are eager to see if Madsen can replicate or exceed that success against Washington.
In addition to the game itself, this LA Bowl will be remembered as the last in its current format, as reports indicate it will fold after this season. Over its short history, the bowl faced numerous challenges, including a canceled game due to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in sponsorship. While officials from Hollywood Park, which operates the bowl, remain tight-lipped about future plans, they express anticipation for a thrilling competition as the event comes to a close.
