TULANE CAPS OFF HISTORIC SEASON WITH COTTON BOWL WIN
Facing a 15-point deficit late in the game during the 2023 Cotton Bowl Classic, the Green Wave demonstrated extraordinary grit and spirit, overturning the odds with a comeback that is sure to go down in bowl history. After finishing 2-10 the previous year, Green Wave overcame all odds this season, finishing with a 12-2 record as American Athletic Conference champions. But they faced a formidable foe in the Cotton Bowl Classic — the USC Trojans, led by Heisman Trophy-winner Caleb Williams. Entirely unfazed, the Green Wave team did what it does best — made history.
With a 15-point lead and 4:30 left on the clock, a Cotton Bowl win seemed well within the Trojans’ grasp. But the Green Wave upended USC’s 45-30 lead by scoring an astounding 16 points in the final 4:03 of the Cotton Bowl. It began with running back Tyjae Spears scoring his fourth touchdown of the game. Then USC fumbled their kickoff. As Tulane regained the ball on the resulting free kick, a “helluva hullabaloo” ensued with Green Wave going 66 yards in 12 plays. The Green Wave capped off their win with a six-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Michael Pratt to tight end Alex Bauman, bringing home a phenomenal win from a phenomenal team.
Fans across social media celebrated the Green Wave’s historic win. Tulane Alumni captured the moments here.
There is still time to get in on the championship spirit. You can celebrate our Green Wave Football’s historic bowl victory by making a gift. Fellow alumni and fans Jenny Juge Kottler (’83) and Bob Kottler (’81), Mark (’78) and Diana Tipton, and Mark (’76) and Nancy Oswald, have pledged to match all gifts made, up to $75,000, doubling your impact and supporting our student-athletes at this special moment.
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