Three Things to Look For -- Cotton Bowl Prediction

I've heard all about it.
Photo via onemansblog

Dallas Cowboys Stadium? For a bowl game? Three days after attending the Sugar Bowl?

Yes Please.

I can't wait for the Cotton Bowl. LSU will be playing Texas A&M for the Tigers last tackle football game of this season. Here are three things to look for...

1) How does LSU deal with Texas A&M's impact players?

The Aggies have won six straight games since junior Ryan Tannehill took over at quarterback. His top target, junior receiver Jeff Fuller, will have his hands full with Patrick Peterson. 

Don't be surprised if you see defensive coordinator John Chavis brings blitzes from many different places. Chavis should feel comfortable with his defensive backs in man-coverage against the Aggies.  

Linebacker Von Miller, who many consider a first-round prospect in next year's draft, has been the pulse on defense with ten sacks this year. If offensive coordinator Gary Crowton wants to keep his job, Miller can't get free.

The best way to slow down Miller is to run the football to his side effectively. With Stevan Ridley eligible for this game, that should help the cause.  

Barksdale needs to play big.
Photo via BleacherReport

2) Which LSU player will help their NFL Draft stock in Dallas?

LSU has plenty of players who could make a living playing football at the next level. Under the bright lights of Cowboys Stadium, there is not a better place to help your draft stock.

I believe offensive tackle Joseph Barksdale has the most to gain or lose tomorrow night. He will have Miller in one-on-one situations tomorrow night, and Barksdale will need to prove he can hold the corner against a top prospect pass-rusher.

On defense, Peterson will look to put on a show in Dallas. But PP7 is a lock for the Top 10 next April. The player that needs to shine is defensive tackle Drake Nevis.

There is no questioning Nevis' productivity this season, but there are a ton of elite defensive tackle prospects coming out next April. Ohio State's Cameron Heyward shot up boards across the country after his dominating performance against Arkansas.

Heyward did so because he made plays in the running game and collapsing the pocket in the passing game. Nevis needs to show scouts that he can do more than shoot gaps. He is undersized in the minds of scouts, and will need to show he can hold at the point of attack against a solid offensive line. 

3. Any trickeration from Les Miles?

Last game of the season, why wouldn't there be any tricks?

There is nothing on this green earth that can count how many Miles jokes there have been on Twitter. NC State tried to impersonate the Mad Hatter with this fake field goal attempt.  

It's the last game of the season, why wouldn't Miles try something crazy?

Prediction

This game will be close, but I like LSU in this game. They have a few more difference makers on both sides of the ball, and, despite losing against Penn State last year, Miles has a great record in bowl games.


LSU 28 - Texas A&M 20