Fiesta Bowl 2012: Reasons to Watch Stanford, Oklahoma State

The 2012 Fiesta Bowl has the potential to be even more exciting than the BCS National Championship Game.

The Fiesta Bowl will match up the No. 4 Stanford Cardinal and the No. 3 Oklahoma State Cowboys. Both of these teams have an 11-1 record and are 8-1 in their respective conferences. Stanford and Oklahoma State both can make arguments that they should be playing for the BCS title, but each earned a loss in conference play.

Stanford suffered its only loss to No. 7 Oregon at home in mid-November. Oklahoma State also lost in mid-November to unranked Iowa State in double overtime on the road. This will be one of the highest rated bowl games this season.

Here are a few reasons why:

Andrew Luck, the projected No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL draft, will be watched by many fans who have not had the opportunity to watch many of his games. The most talked about player in college football this season will display his talents in front of a national audience.

The Indianapolis Colts solidified their draft position with their loss in Week 17. Only time will tell if Luck will end up in the same town as Peyton Manning or if one of the stars will get traded. This game will display his talents to not only fans, but NFL teams that might be interested in offering a trade to the Colts. A great game here on a national stage will increase Andrew Luck's value in the NFL draft.

Luck has thrown for 3,170 yards this season, 35 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Last season he compiled 3,338 yards, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Luck will try to end his collegiate career with a big Fiesta Bowl win against another high-powered offense. 

Oklahoma State was a legitimate snub when it came to BCS National Championship consideration. The only loss the Cowboys suffered came on the same day tragedy struck their university. They were still able to take the game to double overtime on the road against Iowa State but ultimately fell short. After that game, Oklahoma State routed No. 10 Oklahoma to win the Big 12 Championship.

The Cowboys have one of the most explosive offenses in the country. They are led by senior Brandon Weeden at quarterback. He has thrown for 4,328 yards and 34 touchdowns this season. 

Oklahoma State has compiled more than 386 passing yards per game, good for second most in the country. It averages more than 49 points per game, also second most in the nation. On average, Stanford scores almost 44 points per game, seventh most in the country.

With the number of points that both teams are accustomed to scoring, there should not be a shortage of points in this game. This kind of offensive potential will bring people to their televisions to see an exciting, high scoring BCS bowl game.

Oklahoma State's offensive firepower is a big reason that many felt it should have been in the BCS National Championship Game. Many believed LSU and its stifling defense, which has allowed only 10.5 points per game, should play the most exciting offense in the country.

Whether you agree with the BCS system or not, there will be no complaints when it comes time for kickoff. The 2012 Fiesta Bowl has the potential to be a memorable game.