The crystal ball took a hit on New Year's Eve with Missouri pooping on the field against Navy and Iowa State pulling it out against Minnesota. Of course we're happy to be wrong about the Cyclones because a bowl win for the Big 12 over the Big 10 is a win for everyone. Besides that Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads was nice enough to visit with us last summer giving us another reason to root for the Cyclones this season. As far as the Missouri debacle goes, I think they've got it covered pretty good right here.

Now the crystal ball turns its attention to the Cotton Bowl and Oklahoma State against Mississippi. As much as we'd like to predict another victory for the Big 12 in this one the crystal ball says the Cowboys are in trouble. Here are a few other predictions heading into the game.

1. Not having Perrish Cox will make a difference in two ways. Cox is O-State's best defensive back much less their best corner. With his absence the Cowboys are down to two freshmen to replace Cox due to injury. Cox was also averaging 20.9 yards per return on kickoffs and 10.4 yards on punt returns. Replacing him will be Johnny Thomas who hasn't returned a punt this season. Look for OSU's field position to take a hit.

2. Keith Toston will be successful on the ground. Our simulation has him going for almost 150 yards but being held out of the end zone. Unfortunately that'll be O-State's best opportunity to put anything other than a field goal on the board.

3. The Cowboys will struggle in the passing game. The woes that plagued Zac Robinson in the Bedlam game will continue in the Cotton Bowl. Cowboy receivers won't be able to find separation and Robinson won't be able to find the time to wait on them.

4. Dexter McCluster will be the player of the game. He'll score twice and have well over 100 all-purpose yards.

The crystal ball is 3-2 in picking the winners of the Big 12 bowl games. In addition we gave you a big second half by Georgia, Nebraska scoring over 30 on Arizona and Landry Jones having a big day against Stanford.