A new year is upon us.

The State of Texas is big. The people are quite proud as well. Look no further than former Governor and currant President George W. Bush. He was quoted once in reference to maintaining the security of his home state by stating, “Don’t mess with Texas.” While the Lone Star State is known for is eclectic style of music, great football and its own niche in a state steeped in tradition and history. The city of Dallas encompasses those characteristics as well.

As January 2nd approaches, the date of the 73rd AT&T Cotton Bowl pitting Ole Miss against Texas Tech, Texans will have a few visitors. Over 30,000 visitors, dressed in red and blue, to be more specific. If you’re wondering, it’s the same fan base that poured into Vaught-Hemingway Stadium last fall to see the Rebels play Northwestern State, all 15,000 of them. Funny how one season can change things.

To say Texas Tech is less than thrilled about their date in Dallas would be a vast understatement. A team with National Championship aspirations is headed to a non-BCS game and the feeling eerily similar to a bride left at the alter. They’re not happy. The Rebels are as giddy as a kid on Christmas morning with nothing to lose. As for the stats themselves, Tech far surpasses the Rebels. An offensive attack that houses weapons not many teams in the nation have. The question remains, will the emotion play a factor?

While the Rebs are basking in the glory of a bowl berth, Mississippi State is boasting as well. For polar opposite reasons but just as important in the eyes of the Bulldogs. Dan Mullen, newly crowned head coach in Starkville, had a decision to make. Stay in his new home in Oktibbeha County and continue to corral a coaching staff and recruit, or head to his former employee’s headquarters in Gainesville and prepare for the BCS National Championship against Oklahoma. Mullen chose the latter.

While you could argue either point, both would benefit MSU in the long run. For obvious reasons, staying in Starkville would prove to be a positive for a myriad of reasons. Some would argue, he should not abandon his post at Florida for publicity reasons alone. The best publicity is free publicity. The number of recruits watching the BCS National Championship game will be in the thousands. The reference the announcers will make concerning Mullen and his new home in Mississippi will follow. Mullen knows this. I bet you a plug nickel Director of Athletics Greg Byrne knows it. Hence, the decision to be a Gator one final time.

When the clock strikes midnight in a few days, the confetti will fly and partygoers will be donning atrocious headwear. I’m sure “Auld Lang Syne” will find anxious ears for celebration. For Dan Mullen and Houston Nutt, both have one thing in common for the upcoming year in way of resolutions. Win in the SEC and of course, defeat each other.