Las Vegas Bowl

Boise State vs. Utah

   Three weeks ago, Boise State was playing for a chance to go to the National Championship game.  Today, they're playing in the Las Vegas Bowl against Utah, who themselves thought they could crash the BCS party in as late as October.  Two missed field goals dropped the Broncos from number three in the polls into playing in the December 22nd bowl.

   Even in their loss to Nevada, the Broncos offense seemed too good to be true.  Kellen Moore is completing 71 percent of his passes, while throwing for 3,506 yards, 33 touchdowns and a mere five interceptions.  Doug Martin has rushed for 1,113 yards and 11 touchdowns.  Backup Jeremy Avery, despite rushing 100 fewer times, has also rushed for 11 touchdowns.  Moore has two studs to throw the ball to, in Titus Young and Austin Pettis.  Young, an All-American, has caught 65 passes for 1,151 yards and nine touchdowns.  Pettis, meanwhile, has caught 59 balls for 804 yards and nine touchdowns.  Their nearly 47 ppg is second in the nation.

   Utah will be playing with their backup quarterback, Terrence Cain, who will be filling in for Jordan Wynn, who is out after having shoulder surgery.  Luckily for the Utes, Cain has a 9-1 record as a starter.  With this, Utah will probably have to rely on it's tandem of running backs, Eddie Wide (683 yards, 11 touchdowns) and Matt Asiata (673 yards, eight touchdowns).  That's not necessarily a good thing, because they are going up against a Boise State team that allows 103 yards per game, sixth in the nation.