No. 25 Mississippi Rebels (8-4) vs. No. 8 Texas Tech Red Raiders (11-1)
When: Today, 2 p.m.
Where: Cotton Bowl, Dallas
Line: Texas Tech by 4
TV: Fox
Why you should watch: To see if the Big 12 can make a statement. The Southeastern Conference had won four straight Cotton Bowls before Missouri’s 38-7 win over Arkansas last year. The Big 12 also is just 5-13 in this game since 1990, compared to 7-4 for the SEC.
Texas Tech feels like it was slighted for a berth in the national championship game since it only has one loss. But that defeat was an epic, 65-21, defeat at No. 2 Oklahoma. The Red Raiders are led by quarterback Graham Harrell (4,747 yards, 41 TDs) and All-American receiver Michael Crabtree (1,135 yards, 18 TDs).
But Ole Miss has shown an ability to play its best in big games.
The Rebels knocked off the past two national champions — Florida and LSU — and won their past two games by a combined score of 76-13. Quarterback Jevan Snead, who transferred from Texas, has thrown for 2,470 yards with 23 touchdowns. But the key to the team’s success is its defense, which is allowing just 17.8 points per game, 15th-best nationally.
Best fact about Mississippi: The school hosted the first presidential debate of the 2008 election.
Best fact about Texas Tech: Has one of the top public art collections in the country.
Did you know this person went to Mississippi: Kate Jackson, actress best known for her role as Sabrina Duncan on “Charlie’s Angels.”
Did you know this person went to Texas Tech: George Eads, actor, best known for his role as Nick Stokes on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” Point to Mississippi because “Nick Stokes” is no “Gil Grissom.”
Game comes down to: The Big 12 is overrated. Texas Tech might have the home crowd on its side, but Ole Miss has a win at No. 1 Florida and a defense that can slow the Red Raiders.
Carey predicts: Ole Miss 38, Texas Tech 24
Bimbo predicts: Texas Tech
