TCU proved me right last night, coming out looking disinterested and making the game a little too close for comfort. However, a win is a win, and I managed to snag the 33 points that I had on the Horned Frogs in that game.
I have a lot of points riding on tonight’s game as well. This is not all that surprising, considering my opinion of one of the teams that is playing tonight and where I think they should be playing this bowl season.
Here is a preview of tonight’s game.
MAACO Las Vegas Bowl
Arizona State vs. Boise State
Arizona State is on a four-game losing skid and fired head coach Dennis Erickson at the end of the regular season, who will finish off his tenure at the school in this game. Boise State is ranked seventh in the nation, yet was passed over for a BCS bowl bid in favor of teams such as Virginia Tech and Michigan. It makes you wonder whether either team is all that excited to be playing in Las Vegas tonight.
For the second straight season, the Broncos were a missed field goal away from possibly playing in the national title game. While we can focus on that fact, the real story of this game is how the team will respond to the hype that has been generated for Kellen Moore’s last game as Boise State’s quarterback. Moore has had quite a career in Boise, and can cap it off with his 50th win tonight. As clinical as he is, I do not think that Moore will be affected by the disappointment that is playing in a pre-Christmas bowl. Arizona State’s defense has been very suspect at times, and Moore could have a huge night in his last game as a Bronco.
The Sun Devils may not know who their coach will be next season, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they have nothing to play for. Arizona State has been wildly inconsistent all season, and a win over a team like Boise State would just add to what has actually been a decent resume, minus the four straight losses to end the season. The Sun Devils have a very potent passing attack led by 6’8″ junior quarterback Brock Osweiler. Osweiler has several targets to throw to, including 6’4” receiver Gerell Robinson and speedy wideout Aaron Pflugrad, both of whom have had monster games this season. Osweiler & Co. could make it tough on a Boise State secondary that has been banged up this season. However, the only way the Sun Devils will be able to win this game is if they can get disrupt Boise State’s passing attack. Linebacker Vontaze Burfict will need to play like people thought he would all season in order for what would be a pretty big upset to occur.
Arizona State has the ability to score quickly, and will definitely get some points on the board in this game. But they don’t have the ability to stop the Broncos enough on defense, and that is where this game could get out of hand. I have the Broncos for 35 points in the College Bowl Mania game, which is the most confidence points you can put on a team.
Final Score: 38-24 Boise State
– K. Becks
