by Paul Grossinger
(Baltimore, Maryland)
Oklahoma State v. Mississippi Prediction:
45-32 Rebels over Cowboys
This matchup is intriguing. The preseason numbers 5 and 4 respectively, these teams both fell short of their more lofty aspirations.
That said, the Cotton Bowl is nothing to laugh at and the winner here should be ranked again in the 2010 preseason and have another shot at greater things.
History suggests that Houston Nutt and the Rebels, stifled by performance-based pressure earlier this season, may return to a free-flowing style that allowed them to rout Texas Tech at this same venue last year.
That said, Oklahoma State is highly talented and had a better record. Ultimately its close but I'd bet on a shootout and Rebels win.
Before heading out to Dallas you should read Dallas Cotton Bowl Trip Tips and SEC Football Bowl Tickets.
If you'd like to read other SEC Bowl Previews, check out 2009 - 2010 SEC Bowl Predictions.