Where: Dallas
When: 12:15 p.m.
TV: KDVR-31
Series record: 2-2
Last meeting: 2003, Texas Tech 49-45
What’s at stake: Texas Tech is seeking its third straight bowl victory, a school-record 12th victory this season and its best-ever year-end ranking in the AP poll. Ole Miss can win its sixth straight game, which would be the longest streak since 2003, Eli Manning’s senior season and the year capped by its last bowl berth, also the Cotton.
Key matchup: All-American DT Peria Jerry and the Ole Miss defense slowed Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin and Florida at The Swamp; can they do it again to Graham Harrell, Michael Crabtree and the Red Raiders? Texas Tech leads the nation with 417.3 yards passing per game. The Rebels allow 209.8 yards per game, 62nd best in the country.
Players to watch: Texas Tech— Harrell needs two TD passes to break the NCAA record. His 15,429 yards passing also are second-most in NCAA history. Crabtree, only a sophomore but possibly playing his final college game, is the school’s career receiving leader and is ninth on the NCAA TD catch list. Ole Miss — QB Jevan Snead, a Texas native, has thrown almost twice as many TDs (23) as INTs (12) and will need to be smart, effective in case this turns into a shootout. His blindside will be protected by All-American OL Michael Oher.
Facts and figures: Ole Miss is 6-1 in its last seven bowl games. . . . The Rebels have won their last five bowl games against Big 12 schools. Texas Tech is 0-3 in the Cotton Bowl. . . . Red Raiders coach Mike Leach can take sole possession of No. 2 on the school’s coaching wins list.
The Associated Press
