MAACO Bowl 2011: Boise St. QB Kellen Moore Will Put on One Last Memorable Show

Boise State Broncos quarterback Kellen Moore will finish a storied collegiate career on Thursday night in the 2011 MAACO Bowl. The two-time All-American will leave Boise State on a high note by leading the school to one final win against the Arizona State Sun Devils.

Moore has built up quite a résumé over the past four seasons. Most impressive is his 49-3 record as a starting quarterback, which represents the most wins in FBS history. One of those wins came in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl, Boise's only trip to a BCS game to show for their remarkable run.

He's also been a Heisman finalist, three-time WAC champion and would be 3-1 in bowl games should Boise emerge victorious on Thursday.

Perhaps more important than any single accolade was how he helped change the culture surrounding the program. The Broncos transformed from a virtual unknown to non-AQ powerhouse during his stay and were able to secure previously unattainable recruits.

Some may argue that the system implemented by head coach Chris Petersen has been the main reason for success, but without Moore's amazing accuracy and off-the-charts football IQ, Boise State doesn't reach its current level of prestige.

Despite a fantastic high school career, he wasn't heavily recruited out of Prosser High School in Washington. It ended up working out just fine, though, as Moore rewarded Boise handsomely for their faith in his ability.

Heading into tonight's game against the Sun Devils, Moore has thrown for over 14,000 yards, and his touchdown passes outnumber interceptions by 114. Not too shabby for somebody written off as being too short to succeed at the position.

Even though the Broncos were passed over for an at-large BCS bid, there will be no letdown in terms of intensity level. Everybody wants to see their quarterback end his stay at Boise on a winning note, preferably in blowout fashion to send another message to the BCS big-wigs.

So, while most college football fans would usually click right past the MAACO Bowl on their television listing, this year's game is worth watching.

Arizona State finished near the bottom of the Pac-12 in passing yards allowed, which should mean there will be plenty of open space for Moore and his receiving core to attack. As usual, it will be a methodical, calculated attack that leaves the Sun Devils to wonder what hit them.

There are few labels in sports I dislike more than the term “winner,” but if anybody deserves that distinction it's Kellen Moore. Both on and off the field.