Tulane scored 16 points in the final 4 minutes of Monday’s Cotton Bowl and staggered USC, 46-45, to complete a remarkable season.
The Green Wave, who finished 12-2, trailed 45-30 when USC kicked a field goal with 4:30 left.
Tulane closed within 8 points on a short run by Tyjae Spears 23 seconds later. Spears had 205 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns in the upset.
The Green Wave closed within 45-39 on a safety, setting the stage for the final drive.
Michael Pratt drove Tulane 66 yards in 12 plays over 3:11.
The winning touchdown pass from Pratt to Alex Bauman.
However, officials ruled the pass incomplete. Upon review, the football never hit the turf, winding up between Bauman’s legs.
The PAT gave Tulane the lead with 9 seconds left.
It was the only time the Green Wave led in the entire Cotton Bowl.
TULANE COMPLETES AN INSANE COMEBACK AND WINS THE COTTON BOWL!!!
RESPECT THE GREEN WAVE!!! pic.twitter.com/mAGyO5MO0y
— 𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪 @𝗙𝗧𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱𝟳 (@FTBeard7) January 2, 2023
USC’s Heisman-winning quarterback Caleb Williams threw for 460 yards and 5 passing TDs.
Brenden Rice had 6 receptions for 174 yards, including a pair of touchdowns.
Michael Pratt to Duece Watts! Watts got cracked and it's being reviewed for targeting pic.twitter.com/baVJX36JNn
— 𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪 @𝗙𝗧𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱𝟳 (@FTBeard7) January 2, 2023
WHAT A GAME 😱
Tulane gets a safety and now has a chance to win it❗ pic.twitter.com/VG2oHGamFS
— ESPN (@espn) January 2, 2023
