Barkley is obviously an Auburn fan, but he also calls it like he sees it. If Alabama was better, he'd say it. But why would he go? He is paid by Capital One to do commercials and support the brand. Capital One doesn't sponsor the Cotton Bowl and gets no tickets. Since Capital One is the title sponsor of the Orange Bowl, he'll go there, be seen in the stands, maybe be interviewed by the announcers, etc. I don't think it was ever a decision to make about Cotton Bowl or Orange Bowl.