2011 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Preview

January 7, 2011 8:00 PM ET

Stadium: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Payout: $3,575,000

Played: 1937-present

Once known as: N/A

Broadcasters: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston

Sideline Reporter: John Lynch

Storyline: Friday night will feature the Tigers and the Aggies in the 75^th installment of the Cotton Bowl Classic, which will not be played inside of the Cotton Bowl for the first time since its inception. The game will be played at Cowboys Stadium. Louisiana State missed out on a BCS bowl after losing to Arkansas on November 26^th. Texas A&M tied for first in the Big 12 South, but did not go to the Big 12 title game due to BCS rankings. These two teams have squared off 49 times since 1899. Texas A&M has won the last five meetings, but LSU leads the all-time series. The last time the Tigers and Aggies met was in 1995. LSU is more of a running team, as its passing attack is 107^th in the nation, averaging 169 yards per game. LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson has thrown 4 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. The Tigers defense is 8^th in the nation in terms of yards allowed. Cornerback Patrick Peterson won the Jim Thorpe Award and the Chuck Bednarik Award, which is given to the top defensive player in the FBS. Texas A&M averages 303 passing yards per game, boasting the 13^th best passing attack. The Aggies are also adept on the ground with Cyrus Gray in the back field. He has rushed for over 100 yards per game in each of his six starts. Aggie linebacker Vonn Miller won the Butkus Award and led the Big 12 in sacks for the second-straight season. The Tigers are making their 11^th straight bowl appearance. The Tigers have won 8 of those 11 games. Texas A&M has lost 8 of its last 9 bowl games. LSU looks to carry the SEC banner, while Texas A&M looks for another big win to signify the Aggies are once again a powerhouse program.

All-time Series: 26-20-3 LSU

Line: LSU by 2

	LSU			Texas A&M
Overall Record	10-2		Overall Record	9-3
Conference Record	6-2		Conference Record	6-2
Bowl Record	21-19-1		Bowl Record	13-18
Last Bowl Win	2008 Chick-fil-A		Last Bowl Win	2001Galleryfurniture.com