What Is 2009 Maaco Bowl Las Vegas

Overview

The 2009 Maaco Bowl Las Vegas was a postseason NCAA college football game that featured the Boise State Broncos from the Mountain West Conference and the Arizona State Sun Devils from the Pac-10 Conference. It was the third edition of the bowl game, previously known as the Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl before Maaco became the title sponsor.

Played on December 24, 2009, the game drew national attention due to Boise State’s undefeated regular season and their reputation for high-scoring, fast-paced football. The matchup highlighted the growing prominence of non-Power Five teams on the national stage, especially in bowl season.

• Boise State entered the game with a 13–0 record, making them one of the few undefeated teams in Division I FBS that season and keeping faint hopes alive for a national title contention.
• Arizona State finished the regular season 6–6, becoming bowl-eligible after winning four of their final five games, including a victory over rival Arizona.
• The game was held at Sam Boyd Stadium, located approximately 15 miles east of the Las Vegas Strip, which had hosted the bowl since its inception in 2007.
• Boise State dominated with 56 points, the highest score in the history of the Maaco Bowl Las Vegas, showcasing their explosive offense under head coach Chris Petersen.
• Wide receiver Austin Pettis caught two touchdown passes and finished with 74 receiving yards, playing a key role in Boise State’s offensive success.

Game Details and Performance

The game was a showcase of offensive firepower, with Boise State building a commanding lead early and never relinquishing control. Arizona State struggled to contain the Broncos' balanced attack, both on the ground and through the air.

• Final Score: Boise State 56, Arizona State 24 — the largest margin of victory in the bowl’s history up to that point.
• Boise State rushed for 267 yards, led by running back Doug Martin, who ran for 137 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries.
• Kellen Moore completed 11 of 19 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns, maintaining his season-long efficiency.
• Arizona State quarterback Steven Threet threw for 207 yards but also tossed two interceptions, contributing to their offensive struggles.
• The Broncos scored 28 unanswered points in the second quarter, turning a close game into a blowout by halftime.
• Attendance was 32,702, near the stadium’s capacity, reflecting strong fan interest despite the holiday date.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key performance statistics between the two teams:

The statistical dominance of Boise State was evident across multiple categories. Their ability to control the clock and limit turnovers contrasted sharply with Arizona State’s three giveaways and lower yardage output. The Broncos' performance solidified their reputation as a premier mid-major program.

Why It Matters

The 2009 Maaco Bowl Las Vegas was more than just a postseason victory—it reinforced Boise State’s national relevance and highlighted disparities in college football’s postseason access for non-Power Five teams.

• Boise State finished ranked #6 in the final AP Poll, their highest season-ending ranking in school history at the time.
• The win improved Boise State’s all-time bowl record to 7–1, underscoring their consistent success in postseason play.
• Head coach Chris Petersen improved to 3–0 in bowl games, cementing his status as one of the top coaches in the country.
• The game was televised on ESPN, reaching a national audience and boosting exposure for both schools and the bowl itself.
• It marked the final game for several Boise State seniors, including key contributors to one of the most successful eras in program history.
• The lopsided result sparked debate about playoff inclusion, as fans and analysts questioned whether undefeated teams from non-automatic qualifying conferences deserved title shots.

Ultimately, the 2009 Maaco Bowl Las Vegas served as both a celebration of Boise State’s excellence and a catalyst for broader conversations about equity in college football postseason opportunities.