[3] The Broncos entered the bowl ranked #7 in the BCS standings with an 11–1 record, finishing second in the Mountain West Conference.

The Broncos only loss in the season was against TCU, costing the team a chance at the BCS National Championship Game.

The 2011 Maaco Bowl Las Vegas was the final college game for Kellen Moore, the most successful quarterback in FBS history.

Boise State responded with a pass from Matt Miller to Kyle Efaw on a trick play to make the score 28–3 going into the half.

[6][7][8] Arizona State scored quickly to begin the 2nd half when Rashad Ross returned the kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, making it 28–10.

On a 4th down play, Brock Osweiler's pass was intercepted by Jamar Taylor, who returned it 100-yards for a touchdown to put the Broncos up 35–10.

ASU's Gerell Robinson had a bowl-record 241-yard receiving, while BSU's Doug Martin finished with 301 all-purpose yards, another Las Vegas Bowl record.