Utah vs Boise State 2010 Maaco Las Vegas Bowl Spreads Odds & Predictions: Utah and Boise State are two college football teams that began the season with higher goals than finishing up in the 2010 Maaco Las Vegas Bowl. No. 11 Boise State went 11-1 on the year and were a short missed field goal at Nevada away from playing in the Rose Bowl. The No. 19 Utes went 10-2 after winning their first eight games. While players and fans of both schools are disappointed, it's doubtful there will be any hangover from the regular season's letdowns.
Boise State is the favorite across the offshore betting board, but the chalk varies from 15 1/2 to 17 points depending on which sports wagering site you choose. The total is posted at 58 points at most books.
Utah is making its 10th and Boise State its 11th bowl appearance in the last 12 years. Utah is 9-0 during that time, while Boise State is 6-4. Both teams are 2-0 in BCS bowl games: Utah with wins over Pittsburgh in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl and Alabama in the 2009 Sugar Bowl, and Boise with wins over Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl and TCU in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl.
Offensively, Boise State is led on the field by Kellen Moore. The Broncos' junior quarterback led the team to a No. 4 ranking nationally in total offense. The Broncos were not only effective offensively, but were also ranked No. 4 in total defense.
The Utes will be without their starting quarterback Jordan Wynn, who has had surgery on his throwing arm. He will be replaced by senior Terrance Cain, who has played in nine games this season, including two starts when Wynn was out with a thumb injury. Cain passed for 455 yards and averaged 227.5 yards per game. He set the school record for single-game completion percentage (86.95) against New Mexico on Sept. 18 by completing 20-of-23 passes.
Maaco Bowl Predictions: The Broncos will take care of business tonight and end the Utes 9-0 bowl run. Boise State enters the Mountain West Conference beginning in 2011 while the Utes depart the Mountain West for the Pac 10. This game gives the Broncos a chance to give the Utes a parting shot.
Boise State went 8-4 ATS this season and were 7-of-11 in games when lined favorites by 14 points or more. The Utes covered the spread in 7-of-12 games and pushed once. The Utes only played one game, against TCU, when lined as an underdog +4 1/2. Utah lost that game badly by 40 points.
