Petersen Falls Short as No. 23 Broncos Beat Huskies 16-13

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Jeremy McNichols rushed for 89 yards and two first-half touchdowns, and No. 23 Boise State withstood a second half filled with special teams mistakes for a 16-13 victory over Washington on Friday night in Chris Petersen’s return to the school he helped grow into a national power.

Boise State (1-0) dominated the first half in building a 16-0 lead and looking like it would make Petersen’s return a miserable memory. But Washington’s defense stymied the Broncos in the second half and three big plays on special teams — including Dante Pettis’ 76-yard punt return for a touchdown — gave Washington a chance.

Washington freshman quarterback Jake Browning nearly pulled off a late rally to make Petersen a winner. Starting at Washington’s 35 with 1:59 left, Browning drove the Huskies (0-1) into field goal range. But Cameron Van Winkle’s 46-yard field goal attempt with 21 seconds left was wide right. Van Winkle had hit from 40 and 28 yards earlier in the game.