Fox is broadcasting both games from Jerry Jones' swanky billion-dollar digs, meaning the Aggies and Tigers are in for a glamorous presentation - one looking much like the Super Bowl.

"It's really going to be a mini-Super Bowl production for Fox," said Cotton Bowl president Rick Baker, who added that Fox plans to use the Cotton Bowl as a "dry run" for the Super Bowl. "I'm not sure any college game all year long will have received the kind of equipment, focus and attention this telecast is going to receive from Fox."

Been there before

The Aggies (9-3) of the Big 12 have played in Cowboys Stadium twice, with two losses to Arkansas over the past two seasons. The Tigers (10-2) of the Southeastern Conference have yet to play in the massive stadium in Arlington that opened in 2009, and features the world's largest high-definition video board.

"I don't think getting used to the venue is going to be an issue," LSU coach Les Miles said when asked if the Aggies' familiarity with the joint provided an edge. "Of course I've never played in front of a (video board) as big as the one they say is in that stadium."

A&M coach Mike Sherman said Friday during a Cotton Bowl teleconference that the video board can be a hindrance - and an aid - during a game.

Julio Cortez/Chronicle

"Once the game is kicked off, all of that stuff (doesn't matter) - the width and the length are the same as any other field, it just ends up what's being done on the field," Sherman said. "The (video board) can be a distraction with the team as far as guys looking up at it, so you have to coach them through that.

"But it is helpful sometimes when you want to see what the heck happened on the last play with a replay. The fact that Super Bowl is getting played there shortly thereafter and the network is setting up for that dry run with us, I think we're going to have every (televised) angle up there, so it's going to be a neat atmosphere."

The Aggies and Tigers haven't played since 1995, and A&M has won their last five meetings.

"LSU of that day isn't today," Sherman said of the Tigers' recent success under Nick Saban and then Miles. "It's a different era of LSU football."

Trading compliments

Both coaches gushed about the others' programs, and each predicted a tightly contested Cotton Bowl.

"They're one of the top defenses in the Southeastern Conference, and they play hard to the football," Sherman said. "You have to match that passion with equal passion. Offensively, they have the ability to break the game open at any time."

Miles, Oklahoma State's head coach from 2001-04, said A&M's defeats of Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas as part of a six-game winning streak to close out the regular season are commendable.

"They're on a great run, and having been in that conference I recognize what a great (achievement) that is for any team," Miles said. "They play football the old-fashioned way. They tackle and they block. We know this will be a tremendously competitive game."

bzwerneman@express-news.net