Cotton Bowl 2012: Collin Klein and More Players Who Will Shine

Didn't the Cotton Bowl seem like a bigger game about 10 or 15 years ago? Oh yeah, that thing called the BCS happened and screwed up everything. At least this year the matchup is an exciting one.

It's kind of like a BCS matchup. No. 8 Kansas State takes on No. 6 Arkansas and QB Collin Klein will take center stage.

With Tim Tebow having some success in the NFL, QBs like Klein may get a longer look from NFL scouts. Klein is not a classic thrower, but his ability to run and intangibles are off the chart. Sound familiar?

He will be facing one of the most athletic defenses he's faced all year, in the Razorbacks. Arkansas was a perfect fit for the Cotton Bowl in its current structure as they almost made it to a BCS bowl game. The Razorbacks' only defeats this season were to Alabama and LSU.

Neither game was close; they lost to LSU 41-17 and 38-14 to the Crimson Tide. Still, the Razorbacks 10-2 season is impressive. Kansas State has overachieved, at least judging by their preseason ranking.

They did not receive votes in the USA Today or ESPN polls in the preseason. So their ascent to a quality bowl game is noteworthy.

Here are the players that will shine in this battle of opposing styles:

Tyler Wilson

Two contrasting style QBs will have to play well for their teams to win. 

Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson is my pick to shine brightest in this game. Arkansas has so many good athletes and weapons, it is doubtful that the Wildcats will slow them. I expect a big statistical performance from Wilson.

Collin Klein

Klein will also have a good game as the Wildcats' dominant run game should be able to take advantage of the Razorbacks' run defense, which has allowed 173 yards per game this year.

Head Coach Bill Snyder runs a healthy amount of QB draws and options and Klein will take advantage to produce a very impressive performance.

The team that takes care of the football will ultimately come out on top. All year long the Wildcats have taken care of the ball as well as any team in the country, but they haven't played SEC competition all year either.

It is my belief, the statistical margins in favor of Kansas State are more about the difference between the Big 12 and the SEC, than the two clubs.

Tramain Thomas

The senior safety has been huge all year. He's picked off four passes this year and had 15 tackles against LSU. He will be instrumental in keying a Razorbacks victory.