Football analysts are wondering how healthy Caleb Williams will be for the Cotton Bowl, which is an obvious central key to the game. Beyond Williams’ health, however, it’s also important to gauge his and USC’s interest level in this game. Will USC really lock in and focus on the Tulane Green Wave, or will they treat Tulane — and the game — without the requisite level of seriousness and intensity?
Tulane is such an unsexy opponent that a lot of USC fans might not view this game is hugely important for the program. The temptation to blow off this game is real.
Why should USC fans care about this game? Very simple: The leaders of the team care.
Lincoln Riley, a native Texan, knows the Cotton Bowl is the bowl game which has meant more to Texans than any other bowl game.
Caleb Williams, despite being less than 100-percent healthy with his hamstring injury, has stated that he wants to play in this game. He isn’t content to opt out.
Tuli Tuipulotu has declared his intent to play in this game. He could easily walk out the door to the NFL, but no, he wants to finish this season with a win.
If these three primary leaders of the team are all very intent on participating in this bowl game and attacking it with intensity and competitive vigor, that should be more than enough reason for USC fans to care about the Cotton Bowl.
We talked to Mark Rogers at The Voice of College Football:
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