Evan Altemus
MISSISSIPPI -3
One of the most profitable bowl game strategies is to take advantage of conference mismatches. The SEC has proven that it is the by far the best conference in college football. Last season Mississippi hammered Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl, in a game that was completely one sided. In fact, Texas Tech got out to a 14-0 lead, and Mississippi proceeded to outscore them 47-20 through the last 3 plus quarters. Now the Rebels get to face another Big 12 opponent in the Cotton Bowl, but Oklahoma State is not as good as the Texas Tech team from last year. The Cowboys got completely dominated this season by their two toughest opponents, Oklahoma and Texas. Their most impressive win was a 14 point home victory over Georgia to start the season. However the Bulldogs were not very good this year, and their starting quarterback was dealing with a severe case of the flu in that game as well. Oklahoma State will not have their star wide receiver and best offensive player, Dez Bryant for this game due to his suspension. In addition, starting quarterback Zac Robinson is dealing with a severe ankle injury but is probable for this game. His practice time will be limited by the injury though. Overall Oklahoma State is over-rated this season. They don’t have any big wins, and they have struggled at times against lesser competition. Meanwhile, Ole Miss will be motivated to play in the Cotton Bowl again this season. It is one of the featured games on January 2nd and will be played in the new Cowboys Stadium. Mississippi’s offense is very balanced and features two future NFL players in quarterback Jevan Snead and running back Dexter McCluster. The Rebels have more physical offensive and defensive lines as well, which is the key to this selection. The betting public thinks that these two teams are relatively equal, but they are not. The oddsmakers are giving a slight hint here making the team with 4 losses a 3 point favorite. Mississippi’s offense has gained an average of 30 more yards than Oklahoma State’s offense has this season, despite facing tougher defenses in the SEC. In addition, their defense has held opposing offenses to 10 less yards per game than Oklahoma State’s defense. One of the final biggest keys to this game is the embarrassing 14 point loss the Rebels suffered against Mississippi State to close out the season, despite being over a touchdown favorite. Mississippi did not take that game seriously, and it resulted in them suffering a horrible loss to their in-state rival. As a result of that game, Houston Nutt will have his team prepared for this game. That loss will ensure that Mississippi brings a strong effort in this game, as they will have to hear and think about that loss until the Cotton Bowl. Look for Mississippi to come out with a strong effort in this game and use their superior athleticism and better skill position talent to get the win and point spread cover.
5 UNIT SELECTION MISSISSIPPI.