Missouri (11-2) vs. Arkansas (8-4)

Conference match-up: Big 12 vs. SEC
Date: Jan. 1, 2008
Location: Cotton Bowl, Dallas, Texas
Spread: Missouri -3

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Two high-powered offenses will take the field on the first of the year in Big D, and each couldn't be any more different. The Mizzou Tigers feature junior quarterback Chase Daniel and his multi-dimensional spread attack, featuring a quartet of impressive wideouts and a the best duo of tight ends in all the country in Chase Coffman and Martin Rucker. But the biggest threat is merely just a freshman. Jeremy Maclin broken the freshman all-purpose yards record this season and is a threat to bust one every time he touches the ball. For the Hogs, Arkansas holds arguably the best rushing game in the nation with Run DMC Darren McFadden and his explosive partner in crime Felix Jones. Defenses beware.

Missouri can cover if: they make the Razorbacks' offense solely ground game capable. Casey Dick has been inconsistent to say the least at quarterback since being pegged as the starter in 2006, and making him ineffective will also create fewer opportunities for the Hogs runners. We all know Missouri's offense is top notch, and they will need to dominate over Arkansas' shaky secondary, especially considering they will be in nickel and dime formations throughout the game. The Tigers want to dictate the tempo, whether choosing to go no-huddle or rather going with a slowing pace when running Tony Temple out of the backfield. Regardless, Mizzou takes very good care of the football; so don't expect any late Christmas gifts coming from this Big 12 team.

Arkansas can cover if: they do indeed get Missouri out of sorts and win the turnover battle. If they aren't turning Chase Daniel and his offense over, then they will be on the field all game. The Razorbacks defensive unit is not good enough to force punts throughout the game, so they will have to rely on big plays, such as sacks to stop drives and key turnovers to swing momentum. Missouri has a good defense, but both McFadden and Jones will get their yards. Points will be coming from all over the field, but if Arkansas can keep Daniel and company off the field with long drives of their own, that's a big plus for the small underdog.

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General notes: This will be the Tigers' first Cotton Bowl appearance since 1946, while the Razorbacks are 3-6-1 all-time in this bowl game. These two last met in the 2003 Independence Bowl, with Arkansas coming out with a 27-14 decision. Who knows how the absence of Houston Nutt will affect this SEC team. It will be the first time since 1997 a new coach will be patrolling the sidelines. Both teams have combined to go 74-11 when scoring 30 points or more since 2001. It's safe to say the winner will top that mark yet again.