Arkansas issued a statement yesterday saying that All-American tailback Darren McFadden "has not been ruled ineligible" to play in the Cotton Bowl and that the school was investigating an Arkansas TV station’s report that McFadden was driving a vehicle purchased by a sports agent.

The station later apologized for the report.

The university’s statement read in part: "Earlier this week, media reports suggested that potentially improper steps were taken to secure a vehicle for an Arkansas student-athlete. The university immediately initiated a review of the matter. Although the television station that reported the story has publicly apologized for its initial report, the university has continued to vigorously review the matter."

Missouri assistant coaches told players in individual meetings yesterday to expect McFadden will play.

"A lot of us feel like we’re kind of the best at our positions, and we want to go against the best just to see how good we really are," Missouri defensive lineman Lorenzo Williams said.

"If he wasn’t at the party, it would be saddening."

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