COLLEGE FOOTBALL SPOTLIGHT : HAPPY HOMECOMING

John Herpin, a senior cornerback from La Porte, Tex., had five interceptions and 15 deflections for USC during the regular season. He added two interceptions Monday, including one for a 26-yard touchdown return, and was named the Cotton Bowl defensive player of the game.

“It was probably the biggest game of my career,” Herpin said. “I came back to Texas and got to play in the Cotton Bowl. I grew up near Houston watching the Cotton Bowl.”