re: It was raining on that dreadful day of 1/9/12

It did not snow at the 2002 Sugar Bowl, although it was very cold and wet when LSU beat Illinois that night. There was snow on the ground at the 1964 Sugar Bowl (played outdoors in those days), as it had snowed in the city the day before on NYE.

It did not rain in New Orleans on 1/9/12.

1/13/20 is currently projected at mid 60s with a 40% chance of rain in the afternoon leading up to kickoff. I'll take it. Better than being cold, or guaranteed to rain.