SBC Cotton Bowl Team Selection Teleconference

Dec. 7, 2003

DALLAS -

Cotton Bowl President Fen Ewing

"To say we're excited is an understatement. The city of Dallas is excited about it to. We are positive it will be a sellout and can't wait to get this underway. We're excited about Eli Manning, Rashaun Woods and Tatum Bell being showcased in this bowl game."

Ole Miss Athletics Director Pete Boone

"I would like to add my congratulations to Oklahoma State, Harry Birdwell and Coach Miles. On behalf of Chancellor Khayat, Coach Cutcliffe, the Ole Miss fans, and all of our players who were around the last time we played in the Cotton Bowl, it's been 42 years, and I'd like to thank everyone and say how excited we are to play in this bowl game."

Ole Miss Head Coach David Cutcliffe Quotes

"I want to congratulate Coach Miles, his staff and his squad. They're fun to watch, but they won't be fun to play. They play hard and are an exciting team to watch. We couldn't be more excited about being a participant in the Cotton Bowl and coming to Dallas. We have two coaches on our staff who played in the Cotton Bowl. I also had the opportunity to coach with Tennessee in the 1990 Cotton Bowl. It's a great experience and a great host. I know there are a lot of Ole Miss people excited, and we look to have a large group come spend the New Year in Dallas."

(On both teams playing their way to the Cotton Bowl through tough conferences) "I think we play similar schedules. You play athletes who will be on the next level week after week. You have great coaches, so I think we have had similar paths to get to where we are with this match-up in the Cotton Bowl."

(On the season and playing in the Cotton Bowl) "It's been a tremendous year, and I attribute that to the development and commitment of the seniors and players on this team. Certainly we had championship goals, and we had the opportunity to reach those goals, but we also had goals of playing in a bowl the magnitude of the Cotton Bowl, and we achieved that."

(On the advance invitation) "We were excited and thrilled, and a lot of preparation starts, but we're recruiting right now so that's where a lot of our thoughts were. We knew Oklahoma State was a potential opponent, and we wanted to get as prepared as possible to get to work on a great game."

Ole Miss Quarterback Eli Manning

"I know Oklahoma State has an explosive offense and a talented defense. I'm looking forward to watching film on them and learning more about their defense."

The University of Mississippi Athletics

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