The USC Trojans suffered a crushing loss to Tulane in the Cotton Bowl, 46-45, as the Green Wave scored the game-winning touchdown with eight seconds left.
This loss will sting for a long time in Southern California, although the Trojans should be right back in a New Year’s Six Bowl next year with Lincoln Riley and Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams.
One big loss will be wide receiver Jordan Addison, who missed the game as he prepares for the 2023 NFL draft.
Another will be Mekhi Blackmon, the cornerback who transferred from Colorado. After the game, Blackmon announced he is entering the 2023 NFL draft as well.
Healthy. Humble. Hungry. #ThankGod pic.twitter.com/eCvU0ClBzg
— Candace Son. (@MekhiBlackmon) January 2, 2023
Blackmon had a sensational season for a disappointing USC defense. After transferring from Colorado, he emerged as one of the best cornerbacks in the country.
Blackmon finished the year with 47 tackles and three interceptions. He showcased his skills in the Cotton Bowl despite playing on a defense that allowed Tulane to come back late in the game.
Healthy. Humble. Hungry. #ThankGod pic.twitter.com/eCvU0ClBzg
— Candace Son. (@MekhiBlackmon) January 2, 2023
USC CB Mekhi Blackmon does a great job playing the back shoulder throw by reading the WRs eyes and disrupting the pass.
Blackmon, a Colorado transfer, is a CB prospect to watch in the 2023 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/aUipYe42y3
— Seven Rounds in Heaven (@7RoundsInHeaven) January 2, 2023
Blackmon played with the Buffs for four seasons before deciding to play his final year with the Trojans, and he should enter the draft process as one of the most intriguing players at the cornerback position.
The loss of Blackmon will be tough for the USC defense, and Alex Grinch (or whoever is the next DC) will need to find somebody to step up.
[mm-video type=video id=01gm9qwfp301nx1fxmsa playlist_id=none player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gm9qwfp301nx1fxmsa/01gm9qwfp301nx1fxmsa-5f1ce800029f353b16aab280fdc8f9aa.jpg]
[listicle id=55254]