BOWLNANZA!: The Cotton Bowl

#12 Auburn (10-2) vs. #15 Nebraska (9-4)

Auburn was very much a national title contender in the preseason, voted #4 in one poll and #6 in the other. They were returning QB Brandon Cox, RB Kenny Irons, and a lot from that defense. The result? That gaudy 10-2 record, but honestly, one that doesn't inspire much confidence. Cox was decent (2087 yards, 13/9 TD/INT), but had some Morelli-tastic performances against LSU and especially Georgia (4/12, 35 yards, 1/4 TD/INT.) Irons struggled with injuries most of the year, and probably looked worse than backup Brad Lester. The defense has been pretty good, however, at #25 in yardage and #7 in scoring. Still, the Tigers in general have been spotty, and again, a pretty good team, but pretty weak for a 10-2 squad. They were lucky to win against LSU and Bama, could've lost to South Carolina, and again, there was that abysmal, horrible showing against Georgia.

Nebraska, hoo boy, Nebraska. They fired Frank Solich a few years ago after a 10-2 season, and then hired ousted Raiders coach Bill Callahan. Callahan decided to install a pass-happy offense in Lincoln after years of running the option, and the result was Nebraska missing a bowl for the first time in forever. Still, the move's now paid dividends, as QB Zac Taylor had a huge year (3071 yards, 25/7 TD/INT) en route to leading the #9 yardage offense in the country. USC was the only team that really outclassed Nebraska, and the Huskers, as shown by that yardage rank, can have a shootout with anyone. The defense, however, has been somewhat lucky; they're #30 in scoring, which is good enough for a team with their offense, but #79 in yardage, behind "all-offense, no-defense" teams like Texas Tech and Notre Dame.

Very interesting one here, as Auburn's not at the level of the LSUs or USCs of the world, but more around, well, the Nebraskas. Auburn has a decent offense, which has had good days, and is certainly capable of one against that suspect Huskers D. Still, Nebraska's offense has been pretty good every non-USC game out, and could've gotten some things done against Oklahoma if not for turnovers. I badly want to pick Nebraska, but Auburn seems to act contrary to my expectations every time out, so I'll pick them. Which means they'll lose? I don't know.

My Pick: Auburn
Confidence (out of 5): 1