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.