Tulane Jan 2, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; The Tulane Green Wave celebrate on the field after the Green Wave defeat the USC Trojans in the 2023 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
College FootballNCAABy Sean Keeley on

On paper, the Tulane Green Wave shouldn’t be able to defeat the mighty USC Trojans in a bowl game. But that’s exactly what they did and in thrilling fashion.

The No. 16 Green Wave erased a 15-point deficit with four and a half minutes left to knock off No. 10 USC 46-45 in the Cotton Bowl in a game that will be regarded as an instant classic.

Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt held his own against Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, making some huge plays in the final minutes of the game that saw Tulane score 16 points in less than five minutes. Down 45-30, Pratt led the team down the field in 23 seconds to score a touchdown. Then, the Green Wave defense garnered a safety thanks to some miscues by USC on the ensuing kickoff.

That gave Tulane the ball back and they then ground out a drive that included multiple third and fourth-down conversions before landing a knockout touchdown blow with just eight seconds left. Adding more drama to things, the touchdown pass was initially ruled incomplete before being overturned on the review.

After another special teams gaffe, USC had to mount a 90-yard scoring drive in just two seconds, but their attempt to lateral their way to victory fell short and Tulane completed the epic comeback.

The win was Tulane’s first bowl win since the 1934 season and completes an epic two-season turnaround from 2-10 last year to 12-2 and an American Athletic Conference championship and Cotton Bowl win against top-10 USC. The reactions were worthy of the historic victory.

What a comeback. What a season for the Green Wave,” said broadcaster Jori Parys.

“Put this in the Louvre,” said Business Post’s Emmet Ryan.

“Love it for the small school!!,” wrote WIS10’s Tony Chiavaroli.

[CBS Sports]

About Sean Keeley

Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Editorial Strategy Director for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.

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