Independence Bowl

Dec. 30, 2007

8 p.m. EST, Shreveport, La., ESPN

Predicition: Oklahoma State vs. Tennessee

SEC no. 8 vs. Big XII no. 7

Analysis:

Tennessee lost to a good Cal team, and there's no loss of respect in that. But the fact is that any one loss puts you further and further down the bowl pecking order. Unless Tennessee rules the roost in SEC East play, it will be tough for them to get to a better bowl. Teams like Kentucky are going to be better than anyone thinks. The loss of the Vols' receiving talent from a year ago has really hurt Erik Ainge.

Oklahoma State also lost their season opener. It just also happened to be against an SEC team in Georgia. The Cowboys look to have better luck in Big XII play. It might have been a different story had they been able to get Georgia at home too. Bobby Reid figures to have better days in Stillwater.

Independence Bowl

Dec. 30, 2007

Prediction: Auburn vs. Texas Tech

SEC no. 8 vs. Big XII no. 7

Analysis:

The fallout of the Gator Bowl snafu continues with Texas Tech being demoted from the Sun Bowl in favor of a Big East team to the Independence Bowl instead. Our prediction of Auburn stays the same, this time playing the Red Raiders instead of the original projection of Oklahoma State. The prediction here is that Texas Tech will have a better record than Oklahoma State and the Cowboys will likewise be demoted.

Texas Tech gets bumped from the slightly more historic Sun Bowl, but they still get a good opponent in Auburn, an SEC powerhouse. The Auburn defense will definitely have to prepare for the Tech passing onslaught. With a year of seasoning under his belt, Graham Harrell should improve in his second year in the system.

Independence Bowl

Dec. 30, 2007

Predicition: Auburn vs. Oklahoma State

SEC no. 8 vs. Big XII no. 7

Analysis:

Auburn fans sure won't like the prospects of playing in the Independence Bowl, but the Tigers might have to be relegated to a low bowl in a year where the untraditional powers in the SEC are rising like South Carolina and Kentucky. Besides, this year Auburn will have to deal with the losses of key players such as Kenny Irons, Courtney Taylor, Will Herring and David Irons, all of whom will be playing on Sundays in the fall this year. The gauge to the season may lie in week one versus Kansas State. If Tommy Tuberville's club can win that game, they may be destined for a better post-season trip than the Independence Bowl. But if they lose, it's going to be a long year.

Oklahoma State would like to fare better than a second consecutive trip to Shreveport in late December, but it will be tough in an improved Big XII conference. The Cowboys should be a better team this season seeing as they return their leading passer, rusher and receiver from last season. Unfortunately Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, etc. will all be improved as well. If they can win on the road, they'll be destined for bigger things.