What's Happening?
In a thrilling conclusion to the Alamo Bowl, TCU Horned Frogs defeated No. 16 USC Trojans 30-27 in overtime. Ken Seals, making his first start for TCU, led two scoring drives in the final minutes of regulation and threw the winning touchdown pass in overtime. Seals completed 29 of 40 passes for 258 yards, including a decisive pass to Jeremy Payne, who broke multiple tackles to score the game-winning touchdown. TCU's defense held USC to a field goal in overtime, despite a pass-interference call that gave USC a first down at the 2-yard line. USC's quarterback Jayden Maiava passed for 280 yards and a touchdown but was intercepted twice, impacting the Trojans' ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Why It's Important?
The victory marks a significant achievement
for TCU, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. For USC, the loss highlights ongoing challenges in executing plays in critical moments, particularly in the red zone. The game also underscores the impact of player transfers and coaching changes, as TCU's quarterback Josh Hoover entered the transfer portal, and their offensive coordinator Kendal Briles moved to South Carolina. This win could boost TCU's morale and set a positive tone for the next season, while USC will need to address strategic and execution issues to improve their performance.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, USC will host Fresno State on September 5, potentially marking the start of Jayden Maiava's Heisman Trophy campaign. TCU will face North Carolina on August 29 in Dublin, Ireland, kicking off the next college football season. Both teams will need to adapt to changes in their rosters and coaching staff, with TCU losing key players to the NFL and USC aiming to refine their strategies for better outcomes.
