2011 Bowl Predictions: Boise vs. Arizona State in MAACO Bowl Las Vegas

Just like Texas Christian in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, there is a team in this year’s MAACO Bowl Las Vegas that is going through its own conference upheaval. 

The Boise State Broncos—the team that came out of relative obscurity in 2006 to shock the college football world—has become of the most well-known programs in the country. 

But being well known hasn’t always led to success when it comes to postseason appearances.  Yes, they have been to two BCS games in the past six years, but in another three seasons (2008, 2010, and 2011), they suffered losses that meant they played in bowls before Christmas.

The last two seasons have been especially heartbreaking.  In both, the Broncos were one missed extra point away from playing in one of the big bowls in January. 

This season, Boise State started life in the Mountain West Conference, which they might have thought would mean an easier road to a BCS game.  But, as they found out this year, that was not the case.  So, next season will be their last in the MWC and they will move to the Big East.  The move will give them the automatic BCS berth, if they win the conference. 

But for now, they're back to finishing their season before Christmas in Las Vegas for the second straight year.  And just like last year, they might have an easy night in Sin City.

Arizona State was a dark-horse pick to possibly win the Pac-12 this season—they certainly started off that way.  They won five of their first six games and headed to a big time showdown at Oregon.  They suffered a 14-point loss in Eugene and the wheels fell off. 

The Sun Devils proceeded to lose their last four games, including losses to below .500 teams in UCLA, Washington State and Arizona.  That spelled the end for Dennis Erickson; the team just barely made a bowl game at 6-6. 

The new era for ASU football has already started with the hiring of Todd Graham.  But the old era has to finish off this season first—by playing one of the best teams in the country.

So, will Boise State finish 2011 with just one loss or will Arizona State pull of what would probably be the upset of the bowl season?  Read on for the preview of the 2011 MAACO Las Vegas Bowl.

Boise State Offense vs. Arizona State Defense

The Bronco offense revolves around one player, QB Kellen Moore.  He is one of the best QBs in the country and you’ll see him on Sundays next year. 

Moore is the main cog in an offense that cranks out 310 passing yards per game (10th in FBS), 483 yards of total offense per game (9th in FBS) and over 43 points per contest (7th in FBS).  Moore will spread the ball around to Tyler Shoemaker, Matt Miller and Mitch Burroughs.  Throw in RB Doug Martin—at just under 96 rushing yards per game—and it’s a tough task for any defense. 

That is a huge problem for Arizona State, which has given up plenty of yards (419 per game) and points (26 per game) this season.  This could be ugly.

Edge: Boise State

Arizona State Offense vs. Boise State Defense

The one thing that has worked for the Sun Devils all year long has been the passing game.  Led by QB Brock Osweiler, ASU ended the regular season with the 11th best passing attack in the country. 

They’ll have to throw a lot because the running game hasn’t been very good at 78th in the nation.  The problem is they’re going up against a Broncos defense that has been very good all season, finishing in the Top 25 nationally in run defense, pass defense, total defense and scoring defense. 

The only chance that the Sun Devils might have is to throw the ball all over Sam Boyd Stadium to keep up with the Boise State offense.  That doesn’t seem like a winning formula.

Edge: Boise State

Special Teams

This is the one area of the ballgame where the teams are evenly matched.  Both have had success on punt returns and punting the ball. 

Boise State can rely on Burroughs, who was 7th in the country in punt returns.  Arizona State is hoping for a couple of big returns from Jamal Miles, which would help keep them in the contest. 

There’s no clear winner here.

Edge: Even

Coaching

Chris Petersen continues to be one of the most successful coaches in the game, with 72 victories in his first 78 games.  His systems are fully entrenched and he has been drawing very good talent to a spot in the country that is, to say the least, out of the way. 

Whether Petersen will follow a couple of his predecessors and make the move to a BCS program in the future remains to be seen. 

Dennis Erickson will coach his last game for ASU, as he was told he would not return next season.

Edge: Boise State

This and That

While Arizona State is closer to Las Vegas, this will end up being a Boise State home game.  Expect a lot of blue and orange in the stands for this one. 

Blowouts are common here. Only one game in the last five years has been decided by less than 10 points.  That will probably occur again in this year’s edition.

Edge: Boise State

So, what will happen in the 2011 MAACO Bowl Las Vegas

This will be ugly early.  Boise State will score early and often and it’ll be a long night for Arizona State.  This will be the biggest blowout of the bowl season.

Line: Boise State by 13

The Sports Mac Prediction: Boise State 52, Arizona State 10