The MAACO Las Vegas Bowl features the 11-1 Boise State Broncos and the 6-6 Arizona St. Sun Devils. This game marks the final collegiate game for Boise QB Kellen Moore. It’s also ASU’s HC Dennis Erickson’s final game roaming the ASU sideline.
Both teams feature talent that could litter each round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Boise State features at least six players that figure to be drafted come April. Arizona St. gives us one of the top LB prospects in the country in Vontaze Burfict. Burfict needs a huge performance in this contest to raise his sliding draft stock. It’s unsure whether Burfict will start this game as he was removed from ASU’s final regular season game following two personal foul penalities. A guy to watch for ASU is QB Brock Osweiler. The 6’8 gun slinger is a likely 2013 prospect but he could surprise and enter this season given the coaching change.
Guys to keep an eye on:
Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona St. #7 (Junior)
Burfict’s talent and intensity are undeniable but he has looked very average this season. He ended the season on a low note as he was removed from the team’s final regular season game following two personal foul penalties. Burfict has practiced with the second team throughout bowl preparations but I would be shocked not to see him on the field early and often. Burfict is one of the most physically gifted players in the country and has top 15 talent. Burfict may have the most to gain or lose based on his bowl performance than any other prospect in the 2012 NFL Draft. Burfict is going to have to apply pressure to Moore and hold Doug Martin in check for the Sun Devils to stand a chance.
Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona St. #17 (Junior)
Brock Osweiler is a mammoth prospect that has the game to go with it. He possesses a great arm and his ceiling is even better. Osweiler doesn’t having the playing experience to match his arm talent and would be best served by staying at ASU for his senior season. He’s anything but a finished product but there are flashes of brilliance that make scouts drool. If Osweiler declares for the 2012 NFL Draft he could be a late first, early second round prospect based on his enormous ceiling.
*Omar Bolden (injured, not expected to play)
Doug Martin, RB, Boise St. #22
Does anyone find the irony in Boise’s only loss (to TCU) came without the services of Doug Martin. While Kellen Moore gets most of the pub (deservedly so) Martin is the real workhorse in this tandem. His game translates well to the NFL as some have compared him to Emmitt Smith. That’s a little far fetched but Martin runs with similar balance and vision. For comparison sake, think a stronger version of Ryan Matthews. Martin is a solid second round pick that will vie for the No. 2 back in the 2012 class.
Nate Potter, G, Boise St. #73
Potter has made a living in college as Kellen Moore’s blindside protector. He likely will have to play RT or G in the NFL but he’s intriguing. He’s a tough prospect to evaluate because it’s hard to find the right position for him. Potter impressed in 2011, showing better feet than originally thought. He could be an interesting swing tackle in the league. Potter should stand out in this contest as ASU has struggled to pressure the QB as a whole.
Billy Winn, DT, Boise St. #90
Winn is a DT/DE prospect that would make an excellent transition to the five-technique in the NFL. He’s a high motor guy that plays to the whistle on every snap. Winn is a polarizing prospect as some have him as high as late round one and some as low as round four. For me, Winn isn’t a flashy guy that will rack up huge numbers in his career but he’s a solid starter in the league that is a good value in the late stages of round two.
Shea McClellin, DE/OLB, Boise St. #92
McClellin really emerged in the season opener against Georgia but remained relatively quiet the rest of the season. He had 6 sacks in the regular season and needs a big game against ASU to raise his draft stock. McClellin is likely to transition to rush linebacker in the NFL. He will be called on to pressure Osweiler and get him out of his rhythm.
Kellen Moore, QB, Boise St. #11
The subject of Kellen Moore can incite a crowd quicker than any other, as evidence by my Kellen Moore scouting report. Moore is one of the most productive collegiate quarterbacks in history. His game doesn’t translate well to the NFL due to concerns with size and arm strength. That’s all I’m going to say. He’s a terrific college QB and is fun to watch with his ability to throw to spot and the tempo with which he plays. He’s a solid late round QB prospect that will be hit or miss.
