Dennis Erickson's tenure as head coach of the Arizona State Sun Devils has seen more than its fair share of ups and downs. Following a shaky 2011 season in which the Sun Devils finished 6-6 overall, with a 4-5 record in the Pac-12, Erickson was informed that he would be released from his contract before 2012.
Even after losing their last four regular-season games, ASU ended the season as a bowl eligible team, ensuring Erickson would have one final chance to coach the Sun Devils. On Sunday, the bowl pairings were announced, and the Sun Devils are set to face the No. 7 Boise State Broncos on December 22nd at the 2011 MAACO Bowl in Las Vegas.
The Sun Devils will be facing a formidable opponent in Boise State. The Broncos finished their first season in the Mountain West Conference with an overall record of 11-1 and were 6-1 in conference play. The only game they lost in 2011 was to eventual MWC champions TCU.
The Sun Devils would appear to be major underdogs going into this one, but it's clear that the ASU players are looking forward to this bowl game opportunity, reports Doug Haller of the Arizona Republic.
"To be able to go to a bowl game in a city like Las Vegas and play an opponent like Boise State, wow," senior defensive tackle Bo Moos. "One last chance to play on national TV against a ranked opponent . . . that is why you play this game."
For news and information regarding all things Arizona State, please visit House of Sparky. To inform yourself about the ins and outs of Boise State, please visit One Bronco Nation Under God. The full bowl pairings can be located right here.