Arizona State vs. Boise State: Game Time, Radio and TV Coverage for MAACO Bowl

The Boise State Broncos are up against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the MAACO Bowl this Thursday, and it's not going to be much of a game. 

Arizona State looked to have a promising season, but a second half collapse resulted in a 6-6 finish, which is pitiful considering the Pac-12 South was practically theirs for the taking. 

The Sun Devils are hoping to win their first bowl game since 2005, but finding a way to stop Kellen Moore is no easy task. 

Boise State has a chip on its shoulder because the Broncos felt they should be in a BCS bowl, but the fact that they have a weak schedule and didn't win their conference hurt them. 

The Broncos are fare more talented, and they should easily take care of business this week. 

With that said, let's take a look at some specifics of the MAACO Bowl. 

Where: Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, NV

When: Thursday, Dec. 22 at 8:00 p.m. EDT

Watch: ESPN/ESPN3

Listen: KTAR 620 AM, Arizona State, 580 KIDO AM, Boise State

Key Storyline 

This will be Kellen Moore's last college football game, and what a career he's had. As the winningest quarterback in college football history, it will be very interesting to see how Moore finishes off his career. 

A few last-second field goals could have made his stellar career even better, but fate had a different path for the senior QB. Plus, this could be Chris Petersen's last game to considering he is the top choice for a number of head-coaching vacancies. 

Since Boise State will be joining the Big East, I highly doubt Petersen will leave, but you never really know anything with coaches these days. 

Betting Line: Boise State -14

The Broncos have had their ups and downs this season against the spread, going 4-8 on the year. However, the motivation to dominate this bowl game is there. Plus, the defense they're up against doesn't have enough talent to stop Moore, so the Broncos shouldn't have much trouble covering. 

Who Might Not Play for Arizona State 

LB Vontaze Burfict (Disciplinary): Probable 

Who Might Not Play for Boise State 

LB Tommy Smith (Leg): Out 

CB Jamar Taylor (Leg): Doubtful

DB Ebenezer Makinde (Leg): Questionable 

What it Means for Arizona State 

The Sun Devils are definitely disappointed in how their season ended, but they have to stay focused since they're up against such a talented team. 

Arizona State needs to forget the troubles of this season and fight hard to get another victory. This is the final game for a number of players, and they should use it as motivation to knock off Boise State, especially since everyone is counting them out. 

What it Means for Boise State 

The Broncos would rather be playing in a BCS bowl, but this is what they were given, and they have to deal with it.

Losing this game would tarnish everything the Broncos have worked for, which is why they'll show up and be ready for battle. It will be an emotional game for the seniors, and nobody wants to have their last game in a Broncos uniform go down as a loss, especially when you're expected to win.

What They're Saying 

Dave Southorn covers the Broncos for the Idaho-Press Tribune, and he tweeted how confident people are in Boise State to win. 

That's a big number, and the majority of people picking are more than likely going by records. Still, though, there's no denying that the feeling is Boise State will easily win on Thursday.

Of course, that could work wonders for Arizona State since nobody believes in them, but it's hard to see them winning when the Broncos are such a better team. 

Doug Haller covers the Sun Devils for the Arizona Republic, and he tweeted the results of an online poll about which new coaching hire was better fit. 

Arizona State announced last week that Todd Graham would be the new coach for the Sun Devils. Dennis Erickson was fired because of the late-season breakdown that had the Sun Devils finish at 6-6. 

Graham won't have input for the bowl game against Boise State, but those in Arizona aren't too keen on having him as their new head coach. He's jumped from team to team many times before, so who knows how long he'll be at Arizona State?

The poll could be slightly off, though, since more people recognize the name of Rich Rodriguez, but then again, his most recent coaching job didn't go so well. Needless to say, the top college football programs in Arizona have new coaches that aren't exciting a lot of people. 

Arizona State Player to Watch 

If the Sun Devils want any chance at winning this game, quarterback Brock Osweiler will have to have the game of his life. 

The junior has had a decent season this year, but his 12 interceptions is cause for concern. Osweiler can't make mistakes on the big stage, and he'll need to forget about how bad things were to close out the season.

At 6'8", 240 pounds, Osweiler can use this bowl game as a launching point for extra hype for his senior season. 

Boise State Player to Watch 

Kellen Moore will go down as the greatest quarterback in school history, and he's going to make sure his last game as a Bronco doesn't end in a loss. 

The senior quarterback has to deliver a perfect game to prove to those NFL scouts watching he has what it takes to compete at the next level. Moore is certain to be drafted at some point, but a tremendous final game could greatly increase his draft stock. 

Key Matchup 

The Broncos have the ninth-best offense in the country, and the Sun Devils rank 88th in total defense. If Arizona State wants to win, they have to find a way to shut down Kellen Moore. 

Boise State is nothing without him, and if the Sun Devils force him to have a bad game, then Arizona State has a strong chance of pulling off a major upset. 

Prediction 

Boise State 48, Arizona State 30