The only bowl game before New Year’s Eve Night that features two ranked teams battling it out, it’ll be a test between the two most notable non-BCS teams in the past 10 years.
Utah is back on track after losing most of their top players in that huge win over Alabama two years ago, and Boise State is hungry to redeem them after the loss to Nevada that kicked them out of the 3rd overall ranking in the country.
Both teams feature some potential NFL draft picks, with the now consistently top notch recruiting Boise State team having one or two guys that could be taken in the first few rounds, with more in the future likely to follow suit.
Utah Utes vs. Boise State Broncos – Las Vegas Bowl
Titus Young, WR, Boise State
A quick, explosive receiver, he’s separation in the open field and his reliable hands have made him a favorite target for the prolific Kellen Moore at Boise. Young has developed from an out of place slot receiver to a more physical but still speedy receiving option. Though likely not a number one at the next level, he can be a great second option and a deep threat in the NFL, similar to Santonio Holmes.
Austin Pettis, WR, Boise State
While I personally am a big fan of big bodied receivers who can out muscle most cornerbacks, it’s hard not to like what Pettis can bring to the table. Almost the size of a tight end, Pettis runs well enough in the open field to be split out wide and not be a lost cause. He needs to improve his separation at the line and work on using his routes more to get open, but there is a lot to work with and he’ll likely be a hassle for the Utes to deal with in this game.
Ryan Winterswyk, DE, Boise State
High motor, high intensity defensive ends usually don’t work in the NFL from college if they don’t have the athletic ability, and I think that Winterswyk may have just enough to allow him to get an NFL shot. He’s relentless in his pressure, but does a great job in staying home and still making plays in the run game, something he’ll have to do to slow down the Utah rushing attack.
Matt Asiata, RB, Utah
Asiata has been a bruising, complete running back for this Utah team despite being rotational at times. He doesn’t have great quickness in the hole and does a get a bit tight when cutting back, but his power and explosiveness allow him to get big plays and pick up first downs. He’ll need to show, past this game, that he can stay healthy and change direction well enough to be more than a practice squad player in the NFL.
Jeron Johnson, S, Boise State
Johnson, though he’s played well this season at safety, looks like a future stud on special teams in the NFL. A leader of his defense who plays instinctively, his ability to come up and make tackles and react to blockers make him a prime candidate to at least get an NFL look as a specialists and then have a chance to latch on as a rotational free safety.
Shaky Smithson, WR, Utah
Not the tallest receiver but can catch anything thrown to him, Smithson gets off the line somewhat slow but kicks in to gear. His route running needs better technique, and he doesn’t have the speed to stretch the field, but has come through on clutch plays for his team. Smithson’s a very good blocker for his running backs. Similar to Asiata, he’s been another player that has had some injury issues in his colligate career, and that could be one thing that would stunt his progress.
Kameron Yancy, CB, Utah
Yancy isn’t a great athlete, and he likely will have to stick to zone or move to free safety in the NFL if he hopes to be a starter. He needs to increase his flexibility and loosen his hips to be able to lock on more, but his instincts, tackling ability, and not giving up too many big plays will be crucial for this game, as well as in evaluating his NFL draft stock.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
