USC vs. Tulane predictions: FrontPageBets picks the Cotton Bowl

This year’s Cotton Bowl will be a matchup between two teams of opportunity: One that took advantage it, and one that didn’t.

No. 16 Tulane (11-2) enters its first New Year’s bowl more than 80 years as the Group 5 representative, having beaten UCF for the AAC championship to earn a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl game.

No. 10 USC (11-2) had a chance to make it to the College Football Playoff, but lost to Utah in the Pac-12 title game to miss out on a shot at a potential national championship.

A new opportunity awaits each of those teams in the Dallas on Jan. 2, with the Trojans entering as 2.5-point favorites.

Southern Call is led by Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, who is fourth in the country in passing yards (4,075) and tied for second in touchdown passes (37). His quarterback rating of 86.7 is fifth in FBS. Williams also rushed for 372 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Despite injuring his hamstring in the loss to Utah, Williams, a sophomore, said he’s “confident” he’ll play in the Cotton Bowl.

Trojans have third-best scoring offense in the country, averaging 41.1 points per game. They’re also No. 5 in total offense, averaging 499.8 yards per contest.

However, top receiver Jordan Addison, who caught 59 passes for 875 yards and eight touchdowns, will miss the game with an ankle injury. Also, two offensive line starters, Andrew Vorhees and Brett Neilon, will also be absent with injuries.

Tulane’s defense is giving up just 4.81 yards per play, which is 16th in the nation, and 20.5 points per game, which is 24th in FBS.

Offensively, the Green Wave is led by junior running back Tyjae Spears, who is 14th in the nation in rushing with 1,376 yards and 12th in rushing touchdowns with 15. Spears is averaging about 6.5 yards per carry.

This is Tulane’s first New Year’s bowl game since the 1940 Sugar Bowl.

FrontPageBets picks the winner of the Cotton Bowl against the spread.

Cotton Bowl Classic: No. 10 USC vs. No. 16 Tulane

• When: 1 p.m.; Monday, Jan. 2
• Where: Arlington, Texas
• TV: ESPN
• Spread: USC -2.5 (-110); Tulane +2.5 (-110)
• Money line: USC -135; Tulane +115
• O/U: 62 (-110)
• The pick: USC, 40-33

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