Cotton Bowl 2011: 10 Bold Predictions For LSU-Texas A&M Showdown
The Cotton Bowl 2011 kicks off at 8:00 p.m. EST tonight, and is one of the most highly anticipated non-BCS bowl games of the year.
The 10-2 LSU Tigers take on the 9-3 Aggies of Texas A&M, in the first matchup between these schools since 1995.
With a pair of top 20 teams clashing in this one, anything can (and with Les Miles, will) happen. Which is why we're giving you 10 bold predictions for tonight's Cotton Bowl Classic. They might not be plausible, but there's no denying that they're bold.
10. Les Miles Eats Grass
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Why is this a bold prediction, you ask? After all, we all know Miles and his hat love to munch on the green stuff during games, so predicting that he'll eat some is like predicting LSU's linemen eat more steak than the kicker.
But, the game is at Cowboy Stadium, which has artificial turf. So unless Les wants to anger Jerry Jones by carving off a chunk of his shiny field, expect him to bring his clippings in a plastic sandwich baggie.
9. Texas A&M Scores First
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Odds are good, it'll come on a big play of some sort. The Tigers have a nasty habit of falling asleep early in games, and gave up big plays to both Arkansas and Auburn.
It might be a run or a pass, but expect the Aggies to score first on a play of more than 30 yards.
8. Patrick Peterson Scores a Return Touchdown
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Peterson has been one of college football's most dangerous kick returners all season long. Yet teams seem to suffer from amnesia and kick it to him every week.
Peterson averages 30 yards per return on the year, and has a pair of punt return touchdowns to go with that.
Rest assured that Texas A&M will forget about Peterson and kick straight to him. He'll make them pay, to be sure.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
7. Von Miller Racks Up Three Sacks
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Miller might be the best linebacker in college football this season. The Aggie senior has racked up 10 sacks this year, and had 17 last season.
While LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson is a mobile passer, he's not unsackable, by any stretch. Look for Miller to be in his face all night long.
6. More Than 600 Total Yards of Offense
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This isn't that bold of a prediction when you think about it. After all, that's 300 total yards of offense for both teams.
LSU's defense is formidable, but not impenetrable. They're vulnerable to big plays, and the Aggies excel in that department.
Meanwhile, the Tigers can exploit a semi-soft Texas A&M defense with the return of leading rusher Stephan Ridley. Ridley gives LSU balance, and his talents combined with quarterback Jordan Jefferson's rushing abilities mean that there should be lots of yards racked up here.
5. Cyrus Gray Breaks 100 Yards Rushing
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Since taking over for the injured Christine Michel, Gray has been spectacular for the Aggies. He's posted six straight 100 yard rushing games, and finished the season with a 221 yard explosion against the Texas Longhorns.
LSU is solid against the run, but they're not impenetrable. Look for them to avoid throwing the ball unless they have to (Patrick Peterson), and for Gray to continue his stellar play of late.
4. Jordan Jefferson Has a Strong Performance
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This is saying quite a bit for Jefferson. After all, he hasn't had a strong showing in 2010 period, much less in a game with the kind of importance this one has.
But it's not because he's not talented; the junior's got a monster arm and is mobile.
I'm not saying he's going to set records or anything like that, but 250 total yards is well within the realm of possibilities, don't you think?
Look for him to get there between his arm and his legs.
3. Jeff Fuller Catches a Touchdown Pass
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Fuller's caught 12 touchdown passes in 2010, and the massive wideout has been the most reliable weapon the Aggies have.
But here's why this is bold: Patrick Peterson. The corner has shut down some of the best wideouts in football in his career, and Fuller's got a nasty habit of disappearing against lockdown corners (Prince Amukamara, anyone?).
He might be a no-show for a good chunk of this one, but expect Fuller to get open in the end zone at least once, and score himself a touchdown.
2. Texas A&M Leads Late In the Game
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Texas A&M's offense is more potent than LSU's, and while the Tigers' defense is good, it isn't so good as to make up for the Tigers' offensive lapses.
Look for the Aggies to be up by four or five late in this one. And by late, I mean the final minute of the game.
1. LSU Wins
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How do the Tigers pull another one out, despite trailing throughout the game? Thank The Mad Hatter.
Miles' game-winning madness is what's kept LSU so good in 2010, and now that we're in the new year, the Tigers should keep benefitting from his crazy ideas.
As long as the Bayou Bengals get their chance, you can bet Miles will deliver a win.
Final Score: LSU 21, Texas A&M 17.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
