The Cotton Bowl Classic is set to have two high powered offenses go head to head with one another. Tulane Green Wave who is representing the American Athletic Conference is going up against Pac 12 powerhouse USC Trojans. The Green Wave had their best season since they went undefeated back in 1998. USC is looking to bounce back after their Pac 12 title game loss cost them a shot at the College Football Playoff. The Trojans are a 2 point favorite with the over/under set at 63.5. With that being said here is my betting preview for the Cotton Bowl Classic.
Tulane Green Wave
The Tulane Green Wave had a Cinderella type season in 2022. They won 11 games and have a chance to win the Cotton Bowl against a power five school. Tulane averages 35.2 points per game (22nd) and average 443.8 total yards of offense per game (51st). The Green Wave is led by quarterback Michael Pratt. Pratt threw for 2,776 passing yards to go along with 25 passing touchdowns and 5 interceptions. He also added 395 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns as well. Tulane had two players with 10+ rushing touchdowns, Pratt was one and the other one was running back Tyjae Spears.
Spears rushed for 1,376 rushing yards to go along with 15 rushing touchdowns on 6.5 yards per carry. The Green Wave rushed for just under 200 rushing yards per game. If Tulane wants to be successful, they will have to get the run game going early on to keep the USC defense on its toes.
Defensively, the Green Wave gives up 20.5 points per game and allows 354.1 total yards of offense per game (77th). Tulane is very good against the pass as they allow 188.5 passing yards per game (40th). The Green Wave will have to be on their toes going up against USC’s high powered offense. If they want to win the Cotton Bowl, the Green Wave defense is going to need to play their best game of 2022.
USC Trojans
USC put together a great season in Lincoln Riley’s first season as head coach of the Trojans. They were a win away from playing for a chance at the national championship. This USC offense has averaged 41.1 points per game (t-3rd) and they average 518.8 total yards of offense per game (5th) as well. The Trojans also rank 9th in the country in passing yards per game (325.7). They are led by Heisman winning quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams threw for 4,075 passing yards to go along with 37 passing touchdowns and 4 interceptions. He also adds 372 rushing yards to go along with 10 rushing touchdowns. Caleb Williams accounted for 47 of USC’s touchdowns in 2022, he was that good. If the Trojans want to win this game, the Heisman winner needs to do what he did all season and that is make plays.
Defensively, USC has struggled all season long. They allow 27.9 points per game and allow 433.8 total yards of offense per game as well. USC has one of the worst pass defenses in the country. The Trojans give up 266.5 passing yards per game (233rd). USC will need to contain Tulane’s air attack in order to succeed in the Cotton Bowl. They will want to finish on a winning note to set the tone for the 2023 campaign.
Betting Trends
-Green Wave are 15-3 ATS in their last 18 games overall.
-Over is 4-0 in Green Wave’s last 4 games overall.
-Over is 7-0 in USC’s last 7 games overall.
-USC is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games.
The Don’s Cotton Bowl Classic Best Bet
My official play in this is USC -2 and over 63.5. The double play is back and I think this is the easiest double bet on the board for the bowl games. USC overs have hit 76.9% of the Trojans games this season. The Trojans are the better overall team and I think they easily win this one. Caleb Williams will show the world why he was the Heisman winner this season. Rock the USC -2 line and the over for this football game.