Cowboys, Rebels Relish in Grand Venue

Originally Published: Dec 27, 2009 8:25 PM CDT

John Holcomb
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

DALLAS, Oklahoma -- For all the ups and downs OSU and Ole Miss went through this season, finishing the year playing in the Cowboy Stadium doesn’t fell like a consolation prize.

“We’re happy to be here, a lot of different things could have happened,” Rebel defensive end Marcus Tillman said. “We ended up here, one of the best bowls in America. We see ourselves as blessed and we’re going to enjoy every minute of it.”

Not only is this a chance for the Cowboys or the Rebels to end things on a positive note for the season, it’s also an opportunity for the Cotton Bowl to put its best foot forward.

With the new venue, they’re hoping to force their way into the BCS mix when the current contract is up in 2014.

“It s still mind boggling when you get in here and look and you see that video and get a feel of that arena,” OSU head coach Mike Gundy said. “To think you walk out of a locker room and through a seating sports bar area to play a game of football is amazing in itself.”

While Cotton Bowl officials hope the first impression is a lasting impression, OSU seniors hope their last impression provides a springboard for more success in the future.

“This has got to be a BCS Bowl, I’m sure they’ll make it one eventually,” Cowboy linebacker Andre Sexton said. “It’s been amazing so far.”