COTTON BOWL (Arlington, Texas) -- USC has won its last five games, but the Trojans failed to cover their last three. They're 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games. They were favored in 10 of those. The Buckeyes are the better team with more talent, but I'm not so sure they want to be here.

COTTON BOWL (Dallas) -- Yeah, yeah, Ohio State might be the public’s second wagering favorite had it been invited to the final four. And Urban Meyer is a master with a month to prepare for a game. But Southern Cal overflows with talent and should put up enough of a fight to stay within sniffing distance of the Buckeyes. The impression is that Trojans QB Sam Darnold had a year two floors below expectations. However, he was judged in the context of a potential No. 1 overall NFL draft pick. While he did throw a half-dozen interceptions in the first three games, Darnold threw to the same-colored jerseys over the last five, with just two picks. There might be some lingering disappointment in the Buckeyes’ camp about missing out on the playoffs. And while the following does not directly impact this matchup, the number don’t lie: USC is 7-0 straight-up in the all-time series.

COTTON BOWL (Dallas) -- Sam Darnold turned into a pick machine at times this year behind an offensive line that went through massive injury problems. Those issues cost the Trojans a shot at the College Football Playoff, but the time off will give them even more time to reset. An inspired Darnold -- in what might be his last game with the program -- will light up an Ohio State defense that will key on running back Ronald Jones. They'll force a point-a-minute game, and Ohio State will forget that JK Dobbins exists at running back.

COTTON BOWL (Arlington, Tex.) -- Each team has a dynamic QB that can take over games, but defense is the big difference here. The Buckeyes rank No. 8 overall, the Trojans 77th. My projections show OSU winning by double digits, making this spread a top-rated play.

COTTON BOWL (Arlington, Texas) -- This is a great matchup. Which team can mitigate the mistakes from the QB position will be the key. Both QBs have their pockets of greatness, but are prone to turnovers. Ohio State’s defense is one of the top units in the country. Look for it to dominate and the Buckeyes to pull away.