What Is 2011 Maaco Bowl Las Vegas

Overview

The 2011 MAACO Bowl Las Vegas was a postseason college football game that featured two prominent programs: the Boise State Broncos and the Arizona State Sun Devils. It was held on December 22, 2011, at Sam Boyd Stadium, a venue located just outside Las Vegas, Nevada, and served as one of the more high-scoring bowl games of the season.

The game showcased the offensive strength of Boise State, who dominated from the start and secured a decisive victory. As part of the NCAA football bowl lineup, the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas provided a national stage for Mountain West and Pac-12 conference teams to close out their seasons with a competitive matchup.

• Final Score: Boise State defeated Arizona State 56-24, marking one of the most lopsided outcomes in the bowl’s history.
• Location: The game was held at Sam Boyd Stadium, a 36,800-seat venue located in Whitney, Nevada, approximately 15 miles east of the Las Vegas Strip.
• Attendance: A total of 24,117 fans attended the game, reflecting strong regional interest despite the stadium’s limited capacity.
• Conference Tie-Ins: The matchup featured the Mountain West Conference champion (Boise State) versus a selection from the Pac-12 Conference (Arizona State).
• Television: The game was broadcast nationally on ESPN, reaching millions of viewers during the 2011–12 bowl season.

How It Works

The MAACO Bowl Las Vegas operated under standard NCAA bowl game procedures, with conference agreements, team selection protocols, and media arrangements determining participation. Each participating team received a payout, travel support, and national exposure, while the game served as a reward for strong regular-season performance.

• Selection Date: Teams were officially announced on December 4, 2011, following the conclusion of conference championship games and final rankings.
• Team Eligibility: Both teams needed a minimum of 6 wins to qualify, with Boise State entering at 11-1 and Arizona State at 6-6.
• Bowl Payout: Each team received approximately $1.1 million from the bowl’s revenue distribution, a standard amount for non-New Year’s Six bowls at the time.
• Game Duration: The game lasted 3 hours and 42 minutes, with Boise State building a 35-10 halftime lead that proved insurmountable.
• Player Awards: Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore was named MVP after throwing for 274 yards and three touchdowns.
• Coaching Context: This was Chris Petersen’s final game as Boise State’s head coach before departing for the University of Washington.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a side-by-side comparison of key statistics from the 2011 MAACO Bowl Las Vegas:

The statistical disparity underscores Boise State’s dominance in all phases of the game. Their ability to control the clock, limit Arizona State’s possessions, and execute on both offense and defense highlighted their superiority. The Sun Devils struggled to contain the Broncos’ balanced attack, particularly in the first half, when Boise State scored 35 unanswered points.

Why It Matters

The 2011 MAACO Bowl Las Vegas was significant not only for its outcome but also for its broader implications in college football. It marked the end of an era for Boise State’s rise as a non-power conference program and highlighted the growing competitiveness of mid-major teams on the national stage.

• Historical Context: The game was the fifth edition of the Las Vegas bowl, which began in 2007 and has featured teams from multiple conferences.
• Boise State Legacy: The victory improved Boise State’s all-time bowl record to 8-2, reinforcing their reputation as a consistent postseason performer.
• Chris Petersen’s Exit: Petersen’s final game as head coach ended in triumph, paving the way for his successful tenure at Washington.
• Arizona State’s Struggles: The loss marked Arizona State’s fifth consecutive bowl defeat, raising concerns about program direction.
• National Exposure: The ESPN broadcast gave Boise State additional visibility ahead of their eventual move to the Big East Conference in 2013.
• Offensive Showcase: The game featured 8 total touchdowns, emphasizing the era’s trend toward high-scoring, pass-oriented football.

In summary, the 2011 MAACO Bowl Las Vegas was more than just a postseason contest—it was a milestone event that reflected shifting dynamics in college football, from conference realignment to the growing influence of non-traditional power programs.