Arizona State Football: The Sun Devils' 10 Most Important Players in 2011

This Thursday, the Arizona State Sun Devils will be taking on the Boise State Broncos in the MAACO Bowl in Las Vegas. The Sun Devils are indeed in a difficult position, as they are arguably playing in one of the most lopsided bowls. They are going to need some huge performances from their team in order to cause an upset.

According to betting site Bodog.com, the Sun Devils are currently getting 14 points. Along with the Insight Bowl between the Oklahoma Sooners and Iowa Hawkeyes, both games are tied for having the biggest spread this bowl season.

Here are the 10 most important people in the Sun Devils' program.

10. Omar Bolden, CB

Omar Bolden, No. 3, was the Arizona State Sun Devils' primary defensive and special teams threat last season.

Unfortunately, he has been kept out all year due to knee injuries.

Although Bolden has yet to make an appearance this season, he remains to be important because he has been a motivational figure for the team all season. He has taken on the role of "cheerleader," as he can be seen on the sidelines cheering for his teammates every game.

Bolden could easily be moping around on the bench, but instead he is out there trying to make the most of his senior season.

9. Eddie Elder, S

The Arizona State Sun Devils needed much help in their secondary this season, and no one came through more than senior safety Eddie Elder.

On the season, Elder had 63 total tackles, an interception and a forced fumble. 

This was Elder's second year as a starter, and he came through with preseason expectations. In order for the Sun Devils to stop the Boise State Broncos' electrifying pass-offense, Elder is going to have to keep doing what he has done all season.

8. Aaron Pflugrad, WR

Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Aaron Pflugrad showed early on in the season that he can be an impact player. In Week 2 against the Missouri Tigers, Pflugrad went off for 180 yards on eight receptions, including two touchdowns.

He also had two touchdowns in Week 1 against UC Davis, but he didn't have another touchdown reception until the final game of the season against the Cal Golden Bears.

In 12 games this season, Pflugrad broke 50 receiving yards in five games. While this isn't an impressive output, it is when you consider how much the Sun Devils spread the ball around.

While Pflugrad's production dropped from that Week 2 outing, there is reason to believe he can't go off again if he is given the chance against the Boise State Broncos.

7. Alex Garoutte, K

Alex Garoutte is important to the Arizona State Sun Devils because he has been the deciding factor for many games this season.

Most of time, that has been the result of a loss.

On the season, Garoutte only made 14 of 21 field goals. It is unacceptable for a college place kicker to miss seven field goals, but the Sun Devils still need him in order to make an impact in this game.

Garoutte is only a freshman, but he will need to be kicking his best against the Boise State Broncos. The Broncos are well aware of the effect that a missed field goal can have on their season, so Garoutte needs to hope he will not be the relief for their stress.

6. Clint Floyd, S

Another important defensive player for the Arizona State Sun Devils is safety Clint Floyd. Floyd is important in assisting the Sun Devils' pass-defense.

On the season, he has three interceptions, which is the most on the team along with Alden Darby. Floyd also has recorded 62 tackles and has forced two fumbles this season.

Floyd's biggest game of the year came against the UCLA Bruins, a game in which he had nine total tackles. The Sun Devils' secondary has been falling apart ever since that game, but Floyd will be an important piece in revitalizing them for their last stand.

5. Gerell Robinson, WR

In what was an incredibly spread passing attack, one player who was consistently having big results was wide receiver Gerell Robinson. For the Arizona State Sun Devils, Robinson had 1,156 receiving yards and six touchdowns on the season.

Robinson, who is a senior, will be an important component in the Sun Devils' game against the Boise State Broncos.

One thing the Sun Devils have lacked all season is a primary receiving threat. Toward the end of the season, Robinson emerged as that player. In five of his last seven games, Robinson went for more than 100 yards in each game. Against the Arizona Wildcats, he had about 200 yards receiving.

If Robinson can have a similar performance against the Broncos, there is a chance that this offense can succeed in Vegas.

4. Jamal Miles, WR/KR

Jamal Miles has done everything for the Arizona State Sun Devils this season.

Primarily, he is the kick returner and wide receiver. He has also played running back and even has a passing touchdown this season.

On the season, Miles combined for 598 total yards on offense this season. Between receiving and passing, Miles had seven touchdowns throughout the regular season. He was also a force in the return game, returning three touchdowns, and his total return yards amounted to 1,020 total yards.

Miles will be the x-factor in this week's game against the Boise State Broncos. Hopefully the junior will show up like he has all season.

3. Cameron Marshall, RB

Arizona State Sun Devils junior running back Cameron Marshall was extremely inconsistent this season.

When he went off, he really went off. He had three games this season where he went for more than 140 yards on the ground.

Unfortunately, he also had six games with under 70 yards rushing.

Marshall was hampered by ankle injuries throughout the season, but with the extra rest, he should be good to go against the Boise State Broncos.

The Sun Devils are going to need the big-time playmaking Marshall to show up—otherwise this offense will become extremely one-dimensional.

With 1,038 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns on the year, Marshall is set to make a big impact once again in the Sun Devils' final game.

2. Vontaze Burfict, MLB

It remains to be seen if the Arizona State Sun Devils' middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict will even be playing in the MAACO Bowl.

In the last week of the season, coach Dennis Erickson pulled Burfict from the game, and he never made another appearance since.

Burfict is the most important player for the Sun Devils' defense. He is a force to be reckoned with, but he also hasn't been able to control himself. He has been a constant in causing penalties, and one would have to wonder what effect the penalties and lack of discipline will have on his upcoming NFL draft status.

If he doesn't play, perhaps he may stay an extra year since he will likely fall far in the draft.

1. Brock Osweiler, QB

The most important piece of this Arizona State Sun Devils football team is quarterback Brock Osweiler.

The 6'8" passer has a big arm and a lot of mobility. On the season, Osweiler passed for 3,641 yards with 24 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also had three rushing touchdowns this season and has proven he can escape for some significant yardage when needed.

Osweiler is coming off of a 264-yard game with three touchdowns against the Cal Golden Bears. If Osweiler can keep the passing attack going, this Sun Devils offense can open up this game to make it a lot closer than some may be thinking.