College football’s bowl season continues to clear up, as No. 18 Texas A&M officially accepted an invitation to the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic on Tuesday.
The Aggies (9-3) will represent the Big 12 in the 75th edition of the Cotton Bowl, which will draw a Southeastern Conference opponent Sunday following the SEC Championship Game.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have the Aggies back in the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic,” said Tommy Bain, the bowl’s chairman, in a news release. “Texas A&M has had a remarkable season, and they deserve to be rewarded for their tremendous efforts. It’s going to be quite a celebration at the 75th Classic.”
The Cotton Bowl, which is hosted in Dallas’ Cowboys Stadium, is one of several possible bowl destinations for LSU (10-2) this postseason.
The Capital One Bowl, played in Orlando, Fla., has first selection of SEC teams after the conference’s BCS representatives are selected. The Cotton Bowl then has the best available selection from the SEC West, while the Outback Bowl, in Tampa, Fla., has the best available selection from the SEC East.
The Chick-fil-A, Gator, Music City, Liberty and BBVA Compass bowls select after the Outback, in that order.
LSU was selected to the Capital One Bowl last season, where the Tigers lost to Penn State, 19-17. Many consider No. 8 Michigan State the likely candidate to face the SEC in this year’s game.
If LSU is selected to the Cotton Bowl, it would be the Tigers’ fifth trip. LSU last played in Dallas on Jan. 1, 2003, a 35-20 loss to Texas.
The Aggies, winner of six straight games, will make their 12th appearance — their first since a 38-7 loss to Tennessee in 2005.
“The Aggies were here when we celebrated our 50th anniversary, and it was a game for the ages,” said CBAA Team Selection Chairman Fin Ewing. “The 75th AT&T Cotton Bowl is also setting up to be a Classic to remember.”
 
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