At a Glance
- TCU defeats USC 30-27 in overtime in the Alamo Bowl.
- USC held a 10-point fourth-quarter lead before falling.
- Freshman receiver Tanook Hines rushed to 163 yards and 6 catches.
Why it matters: The loss caps USC’s 9-4 season and highlights depth and coaching gaps that could affect the next year.
In a dramatic Alamo Bowl finish, the unranked TCU Horned Frogs outlasted the No. 16 USC Trojans 30-27 in overtime, snapping a 10-point fourth-quarter advantage and exposing the Trojans’ roster and coaching vulnerabilities.
Game Summary
USC entered the game with a 10-point cushion in the fourth quarter, but TCU staged a comeback, tying the score and forcing overtime. In the extra period, USC’s offense stalled at the goal line, and a 35-yard touchdown run by TCU’s Jeremy Payne sealed the win.
- TCU’s 30-27 victory came after a 35-yard run in overtime.
- USC’s offense stalled at the goal line in overtime.
- Jeremy Payne’s run was the game-deciding play.
Key Performances
Freshman wide receiver Tanook Hines delivered a standout game, hauling 6 receptions for 163 yards and signaling his emergence as USC’s next star. Quarterback Jayden Maiava finished 18-of-30 for 280 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Running back King Miller added 99 rushing yards and a touchdown.
- Tanook Hines: 6 catches, 163 yards.
- Jayden Maiava: 280 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs.
- King Miller: 99 yards, 1 TD.
Roster and Coaching Issues
USC was shorthanded, missing three starting offensive linemen, and had its top two receivers and starting tight end already preparing for the NFL Draft. Defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn had departed for Penn State, leaving Eric Henderson to manage a unit stitched together with inexperience.
- Three starting offensive linemen did not dress.
- Top receivers and tight end were NFL-draft prep.
- Defensive coordinator left; Henderson in charge.
Looking Ahead
With a 9-4 record, USC’s season ends without a bowl win, raising questions about the defense’s direction without Lynn and how quickly the young roster can mature. The loss underscores the need for growth.
Key Takeaways
- USC lost a 10-point fourth-quarter lead to an unranked TCU team.
- Freshman Tanook Hines showed star potential with 163 yards.
- Roster depth and coaching changes highlight challenges ahead.
The Alamo Bowl offered clarity rather than closure, underscoring that USC must learn to finish games if it hopes to move beyond a 9-4 finish.
