Las Vegas Bowl 2019: Broncos don’t even challenge the Huskies

Boise State 7 – Washington 38

It appears the Boise State Broncos did not show up for their bowl in Las Vegas, NV in a game they never made you feel like they could win.

While The season may have ended on a sour note, it should not mar what was an otherwise amazing season, full of accomplishments.

Offense

In what was the most surprising move to me, Hank Bachmeier got the start over Jaylon Henderson. I don’t like to question coaching decisions, well because I’m not a coach, but I thought Jaylon Henderson had earned his spot?

Hank Bachmeier was a decent 15 of 26 throwing, but had zero touchdowns and two ugly interceptions, in which he looked like a true freshman just throwing the ball up for grabs.  Otherwise it was nice to see Hank healthy again, and the future looks bright!

Jaylon came in during the third quarter, after Hank’s second interception that led to a Huskies opposing TD, and moved the offense 77 yards for their one and only touchdown of the night.  He finished the night only 5 of 10 for 48 yards and the one TD.

George Holani had a slow night as well, getting only 11 carries for 35 yards.  It was enough however to get him across the 1,000-yard threshold for the season, which extends Boise State’s NCAA leading streak to now 11 years in a row.

Defense

The defense was without Sonatane Lui for this one and it showed, as Lui has been stellar lately.  Chase Hatada had 2 great sacks though and added 4 tackles for loss, which were both team highs. Kekoa Nawahine had an amazing night totaling up 14 tackles, 7 of which were solo, while Riley Whimpey added 11 total tackles.

I would say the defense got torched for 38 points but in reality, they gave up only 341 yards, 223 passing, and 118 rushing.  Washington’s quarterback, Jacob Eason, did have a very good night going 22 of 32 for 210 yards and 1 TD.

So, the defensive secondary struggled a bit, but it wasn’t like they gave up a 300 or 400 yard passing night and multiple touchdowns. I think the story of the night was turnovers and field position.

Special Teams

Not a lot to say here other than Avery Williams had the one nice 29-yard punt return.  Otherwise Joel Velazquez had 5 punts for 183 yards, a long of 41, and at least on half shank that hurt the field position battle.

Honestly the three turnovers, and a botched punt put Washington in great field position multiple times, that it would be a nearly insurmountable task to overcome.  If they weren’t already in a large enough insurmountable task, playing against the beloved coach of both teams as he attempts to ride off into the sunset.

Thoughts

In no way should this one loss take away from an amazing season this team put together!  They were able to go undefeated in Mountain West play, something no Boise State team had done before.  They also achieved the season goal of winning the Mountain West Championship!  In any other sport, winning your conference means going to the playoffs.

Congratulations to Coach Pete on this one! Did you know, as head coach, he had a record of 92 -12 in eight seasons at Boise State, and 56-26 in six seasons at Washington, and is seen as leading the former to prominence and bringing the latter back into PAC-12 power.

Not only did George Holani hit the 1,000-yard mark as a true freshman, extending Boise State’s streak.  He also leads all active FBS freshmen.

This 31-point loss is second this decade only to the 32-point loss (38-6) to Washington, in Seattle in 2013.  Strangely, Chris Petersen was coaching the Broncos that year, and was the head coach of the Washington Huskies the following year.

Great year Broncos!  Even if it didn’t end the way we wanted. Seniors, we will miss you.  Everyone else, see you in the spring!

Go Broncos!