For NFL Draft fans, we finally get a bowl game really worth watching tonight between Boise State and Arizona State in the Maaco Las Vegas Bowl (8 p.m., ESPN).
Boise State vs. Arizona State: Maaco Las Vegas Bowl NFL Draft watch notes
The overlying storyline for this game is that it's the college finale for Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore. He's sort of like the Tim Tebow of the 2012 NFL Draft. There are those who unwaveringly support Moore, hailing him as a smart winner and excellent team leader. Then there are those who point at his size and arm strength and consider him little more than a late-round pick. There is almost no middle ground on Moore discussion. I'm more in the category of considering Moore a late-round pick who will have a hard time making it in the NFL.
Purely from an NFL Draft perspective, I'm much higher on 6-foot-8 Arizona State junior Brock Osweiler. While he needs another year to develop, he has flashed big-time potential this season. His arm is impressive and his throwing motion is crisper than most plus-size quarterbacks.
The other point of contention for this game is Arizona State middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict. He's had such an up and down season and will need to be on tonight. Boise State has one of the nation's better running backs in Doug Martin, who is strong and elusive. If Burfict can keep up — assuming he gets much playing time after practicing with the second team — his draft stock can be salvaged.
Boise State has some solid defensive players of their own. Defensive lineman Billy Winn is a talented player who has had a difficult season. He projects as a 3-4 end because he has length and strength. End Shea McClellan and safety George Iloka also should be drafted by the end of the fifth round.
If you haven’t already, download the bowl watch list put together by 3k.
Also see: Spencer Hall put out his Rootability Index for this game. He is good at writing the funnies.
In last year’s game: This is basically the Boise State bowl. They beat Utah 26-3 in a snoozer last year.
2013 NFL Draft watch: It’s Osweiler, for sure. Most expect him to return to Arizona State. If he does and continues on the path of improvement he’s on, he could become a possible top 10 pick, or higher.
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