USC vs. Tulane: Odds, expert picks for Cotton Bowl

Both USC and Tulane will look to score their first bowl game win of the decade when the two meet in Texas at the Cotton Bowl. The Trojans are seen as slight favorites in what’s projected to be a high-scoring affair.

Year 1 for USC’s head coach Lincoln Riley was nearly fairytale-like, but instead of gearing up for the College Football Playoff, the Trojans have their sights set on Tulane in the Cotton Bowl. But will they be facing the Green Wave with Heisman Trophy Award winner Caleb Williams healthy and available to play? That is the big question for USC, who formed one of college football’s best offenses this season with Williams under center. Williams suffered a hamstring injury in the Pac-12 Championship Game and suffered through, but was visibly slowed by the injury. Regardless of whether Williams suits up, other key USC offensive pieces OL Andrew Vorhees and WR Jordan Addison won’t.

A year ago, Tulane had a 2-10 record and was not bowl-eligible. Now, Tulane is just days away from participating in its biggest bowl game since the 1930s. Ironically, the Green Wave have a chance to avenge their 21-12 Rose Bowl Game loss to USC back in 1932, and their path to doing so includes continued robust defensive effort and junior quarterback Michael Pratt leading the offense against a generous Trojans defense.

Tulane, the 11-2 AAC champion, already has a win against Big 12 champ Kansas State on its resume. Pratt threw for 25 touchdowns and ran for 10 more this season.

What is the spread for USC vs. Tulane?

Odds update live and are from BetMGM. .

How to watch and stream USC vs. Tulane

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET Monday, Jan. 2, from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex. The game will be broadcast on ESPN. You can also stream the game on the ESPN app with authentication.

Storylines for USC vs. Tulane

Expert picks

Picks are made straight up and not against the spread.