Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel. DAVE EINSEL/AP
When the indignation wears off, and it won't be long before that happens, Oklahoma followers will feel just fine with the Sooners' Cotton Bowl bid. Here are 10 reasons why it might even trump a Sugar invite to play Florida:
1 – Johnny Football
It looked like OU might miss out on the most interesting thing to happen to A&M football since Jackie Sherrill actually put the 12th Man on Kyle Field to cover kickoffs. All of a sudden, though, we get to watch Johnny Manziel up close and personal.
The Sooners get to defend the soon-to-be (right?) Heisman Trophy winner, marking the first time that's happened since in a bowl since they played Matt Leinart at the 2005 Orange.
2 – Johnny Football's coach
Manziel hogs all the pub, but the biggest reason to feel hopeful about A&M's future is Kevin Sumlin. He had "it" when he was a Bob Stoops assistant from 2003-07. You just knew he would be successful with his own program.
It will good to see him again down in Dallas. Though I'm not sure the Sooners will feel the same way the night of Jan. 4.
3 – De'Vante Harris
The true freshman has started seven games as an Aggies cornerback. Which is interesting here because he was originally committed to OU before switching a couple weeks before Signing Day.
That might make it into the Sooners' wide receivers room between now and New Year's.
4 – Landry Jones vs. the Aggies
Jones has thrown for eight touchdowns (versus two interceptions) in three career games against A&M. This year, the Aggies' pass defense ranks 79th.
Think Josh Heupel might turn his quarterback loose one last time?
5 – Shootouts are fun
This has the makings of a 50-45 final. Last team with the ball wins, that sort of thing. Don't think you would have had nearly as much fun watching OU slug it out with Florida.
6 – Florida's defense is definitely not fun
The Gators rank fifth in total D. Only Alabama and Notre Dame have allowed fewer points. I know the Sooners grinded one out at TCU over the weekend, but they generally don't do well in more deliberate games (see: Kansas State, Notre Dame).
Better to let Louisville run into that brick wall in the Superdome.
7 – Florida's QB is no Tebow
Half the fun of the 2008 national championship game was watching the Gators press corps slobber over Tim Tebow. It got a little sickening, but it made for an interesting storyline leading up to the game.
This year, Florida's quarterback is Jeff Driskel. Can anyone honestly name one thing about Jeff Driskel?
Give me Johnny Football.
Heck, give me Tebow and his apostles from '08.
8 – Dallas is easier to get to than New Orleans. It's more familiar. And it's cleaner.
The music isn't as good. The good times might not be rollin' right up till dawn.
But if I know my buttoned-up Bible Belt OU fan base, you're much happier safe and sound.
9 – The Fightin Texas Aggie Band
C'mon, admit it. You miss 'em.
10 – You're home for New Year's
Unless, that is, you wanna drive down early and watch OSU beat Purdue to a pulp New Year's morning.
Right.
