The MAACO Bowl: Key Matchups When Arizona State Meets Boise State

The 2011 MAACO Bowl of Las Vegas has itself one of the most newsworthy matchups when the Arizona State Sun Devils from the Pac-12 take on the Boise State Broncos from the Mountain West Conference.

Boise State will once again be the subject of unending debate, as many believed they were snubbed by the Sugar Bowl. Unfortunately for the Broncos, the committee chose Virginia Tech with the final at-large selection of the BCS bowls, leaving the Broncos on the outside looking in—yet again.

Just like last season, it was a last-second missed field goal that spoiled their season, this time in a loss to eventual Mountain West champions TCU. That loss prevented them from winning the conference and snagging a precious automatic BCS bid for a non-AQ conference-winning team ranked better than 16th in the BCS.

Arizona State had a disappointing end to their season, as well. The Sun Devils sprinted out to a 6-2 start, including an impressive 43-22 win over USC, but lost their final four games and finished with a 6-6 record. It was a tough six losses for the Sun Devils, averaging less than a touchdown margin of defeat.

Let's take a look at five key matchups between these two teams.

Dennis Erickson vs. Chris Peterson

Dennis Erickson lit Tempe on fire in 2007 during his first season as Arizona State head coach, leading the team to a 10-win season and a birth in the Holiday Bowl. Things have gone south since then, however, as Erickson has failed to produce a winning record in the four seasons since.

The MAACO Las Vegas Bowl will be the final game for Denis Erickson, as the school has decided to part ways with the coach.

On the other hand, the fire Boise State head coach Chris Peterson lit in Idaho when he took over in 2006 is still raging. In his six seasons at the helm, the team has only lost six games and has gone to a bowl game each season, including two wins in the Fiesta Bowl.

These are two coaches with careers headed in completely opposite directions. This will create an interesting dynamic for the game.

QB Kellen Moore vs. QB Brock Osweiler

Two of the nation's finest gun slingers will be on display in the 2011 MAACO Las Vegas Bowl.

Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore will play the final game of his legendary career, looking to add to his NCAA-record 49 career wins, all spread out over one of the most productive and efficient collegiate careers of all time.

His senior campaign has been his finest, completing 73 percent of his passes and throwing for 38 touchdowns, both good enough for third in the country. He's also topped the 3,000-yard mark for the fourth consecutive year.

Arizona State has a star in the making in quarterback Brock Osweiler. In his first season leading the team, the junior has thrown for a whopping 3,641 yards, ranking eighth nationally ahead of names like Kellen Moore, Matt Barkley (USC) and Tyler Wilson (Arkansas).

While his accuracy isn't Kellen Moore-like yet (63 percent completion, 2:1 touchdown to interception ratio), Brock knows how to get his team up and down the field.

These two big-league arms will combine to produce a high-scoring, entertaining game in the City of Sin.

MLB Vontaze Burfict vs. RB Doug Martin

One of my favorite matchups to watch in any game is the middle linebacker and the running back.The linebacker must keep an eye on the running back in case he swings to the flat for a pass, and the running back must stay home during a blitz and provide extra blocking for his quarterback.

The MAACO Las Vegas bowl will have a great MLB/RB dual.

His high-energy playing style and complete disregard for public safety have made ASU linebacker Vontaze Burfict the most feared linebacker in all of college football, as well as a sure-fire, first-round pick in the NFL draft. He is quick, disruptive and loves to get after the quarterback. He reminds me some of another legendary ASU 'backer, Terrell Suggs.

Luckily for Kellen Moore, he will have the experience of fifth-year senior Doug Martin in the backfield keeping Burfict in check. Doug has recorded 200+ carries in two straight years, and will need every bit of his know-how to keep his quarterback safe.

Burfict will have his work cut out for himself as well, seeing that Phillips has caught 62 passes for 664 yards and four touchdowns over his career, making him an able threat out of the backfield.

With Kellen Moore throwing passes, you have to keep an eye on everyone.

For the record, the above picture of Burfict pointing out Matt Barkley is one of my favorite sports images of all time.

CB Jamar Taylor vs. WR Gerell Robinson

Boise State cornerback Jamar Taylor will have his hands full dealing with Arizona State's leading receiver Gerell Robinson.

The 6'4" 220-lb senior receiver has racked up 1,156 yards this season—good enough for fourth in the Pac-12 and nearly double the team's second-leading receiver.

He has done it all on only 64 receptions, producing a ridiculous 18.1 YPC.

Taylor, the Broncos' top cover man, gives up five inches and 26 pounds to Robinson. He has played well this season—producing 25 tackles, six pass breakups and one interception.

But will he be enough to keep the Osweiler-to-Robinson connection in check?

I would watch for senior safety George Iloka—second on the team in tackles—to apply help over the top for Taylor.

Boise State Uniforms vs. Arizona State Uniforms

The Broncos and Sun Devils have become known as two of the more fashion-forward schools in the country.

Arizona State underwent a makeover this year with updated logos and color combinations and—in my opinion—have been one of the best looking teams in 2011. Their maroon and gold have always been a favorite of mine, but they added all-black uniforms with yellow highlights this year that look awesome.

Boise State has become known for wearing interesting uniforms over the past few seasons, as well. Their traditional blue and orange make for quite a combination on their own, but the Broncos have shown they aren't afraid to go out on a limb with their attire.

The uniforms alone will make this game worth a peek, while the dueling quarterbacks should keep your attention for the long haul.