I'm not being as literal as you. I'm simply thinking about the dynamics.
History shows that '98 NU was hardly a top 10 team. The '96 team subsequently won the national title (half) the following season. This SC team is MUCH closer to '96 NU team than '98 NU.
Texas had its ass handed to them earlier in the year back in 1998 and came into that game with a super young quarterback.
That was the day Major became Major.
If Texas were to beat USC, I think the quarterback that leads them enjoys the same spoils.