Oklahoma State vs. Ole Miss

Cotton Bowl

January 2nd 2:00 ET ESPN

The Cotton Bowl will not be played at the Cotton Bowl; instead at the luxurious Cowboys Stadium which should only add to the luster. Mike Gundy’s Cowboys have had an up and down season filled with suspensions and injuries but managed to finish the season 9-3. Houston Nutt brings back his Rebels to the Cotton Bowl where they defeated Texas Tech 47-34 last season.

The Pokes ended the season in disappointing fashion losing to rival Oklahoma. They will look to end the season on a high note against a solid Ole Miss squad. QB Zac Robinson is the heart and soul of the team and is key to the success of the offense. He played the vast majority of the season without his best wide out and running back while playing on an injured ankle. Robinson threw for 1,966 yards and 15 touchdowns on the season. Despite playing without Kendall Hunter, the Cowboys managed to run the ball effectively behind Keith Tolston. Tolston toted the rock 217 times for 1,177 yards and 11 scores. The biggest loss of the season was due to suspension as stud WR Dez Bryant was ruled ineligible. Despite missing most of the season Bryant is still likely to be a top ten pick this April.

The Rebels came into the 2009 season with high expectations following a successful 08 campaign. The goals were too lofty but Ole Miss still managed a 8-4 record. They are led by QB Jevan Snead and RB Dexter McCluster. Snead threw for 2,463 yards with 20 touchdowns in the regular season. The ultra quick McCluster ran for 985 yards with a 6.7 average and 6 scores. He also grabbed 39 receptions for 475 yards with three of them going for six.

Prediction: Both teams are used to playing in big games but playing in the splendor of Cowboys Stadium may bring the nerves for both teams. Oklahoma State would prefer a slow paced game with the running game being the focus. They will pound the ball with Tolston and Hunter. Zac Robinson can make plays against the Ole Miss secondary but will have to be placed in favorable down and distance situations to avoid a fierce Ole Miss pass rush. Oklahoma State will have difficulties trying to contain the electric McCluster and prevent Snead from getting hot. Although prone to turnovers, when Snead gets it going he is very dangerous. The pass rush of Ole Miss and the big play ability of McCluster will be the difference. Ole Miss 33 Oklahoma State 24

> Check out the great Big 12 sports gear includingOklahoma State apparel & clothing available online through Big 12 Fans!

By Scott Dryden
DFN SPorts Senior Staff Writer

Find more Big 12 football articles online through Big12-fans.com!