Washington Football: 3 takeaways from blowout win over Boise State in Las Vegas Bowl

1. The defense hamstrung Boise State when Broncos had the ball

Boise State opted to go with Hank Bachmeier at quarterback, giving the true freshman the start after he returned to health. That played right into Washington’s hands, as the Huskies sent the youngster to the bench. Bachmeier threw two interceptions and finished the game 10-of-19 for only 87 yards.

When Bryan Harsin opted to go back to Jaylon Henderson, the quarterback that had started the past month in Bachmeier’s absence, it didn’t make much difference. Henderson offered more of a threat to run the ball, but he finished with only 16 yards on the ground to go with 48 passing yards while mustering one touchdown through the air.

Like Washington, Boise State also struggled to run the ball. The Broncos were held to just 78 yards on the ground, as the Huskies bottled them up at the point of attack and prevented George Holani and crew from getting any momentum when they got the chance to test the Washington front seven. One last fumble recovery ended the game, as Washington took a knee and ran out the clock.

Washington’s defense regressed statistically from where they were at the past few seasons, due largely to a talent drain as players left for the pros. But the unit revealed that it will continue to be productive once Jimmy Lake moves up from defensive coordinator to head coach.