ALAMO BOWL: TCU RALLIES PAST USC IN OVERTIME AFTER A HARD-FOUGHT BATTLE
Updated: Oct 31
SAN ANTONIO —The 2025 Alamo Bowl delivered a thrilling finish, capped by a 30–27 overtime victory for the TCU Horned Frogs over the USC Trojans, at the end of a contest where patience, discipline, and composure ultimately made the difference.
Lining up without several offensive pillars, notably wide receivers Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, held out to prepare for the NFL Draft, as well as tight end Lake McRee, USC nevertheless asserted itself early. The Trojans opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 40-yard field goal by Ryon Sayeri, then controlled the tempo in spurts, mixing the run game with targeted vertical throws.
Despite a reshuffled offensive unit, USC consistently created danger by relying on Jayden Maiava’s efficiency in key moments. The quarterback connected with Tanook Hines for a 46-yard gain, a decisive play that set up King Miller’s rushing touchdown, allowing the Trojans to regain the lead and showcase their adaptability.
TCU, however, never panicked. Capitalizing on an interception by Jamel Johnson, the Horned Frogs pulled even and then took the lead in the second quarter with two long, well-constructed drives. Jon Denman finished the first, before Ken Seals caught the USC defense off guard with a one-yard quarterback sneak for a touchdown. At halftime, TCU led 14–13, a reflection of its efficiency in crucial moments.
The third quarter swung on a spectacular play by USC. On a pivotal third down, Maiava found Jaden Richardson for a 21-yard one-handed touchdown reception, followed by a successful two-point conversion. But the Trojans failed to put the game away, as Maiava threw two interceptions deep in opposing territory, missed opportunities to extend the lead.
In the fourth quarter, USC appeared to pull clear thanks to two more Sayeri field goals, pushing the score to 24–14. That is when Jeremy Payne shifted the momentum. TCU’s running back cut the deficit to 24–21 with a five-yard run, then played a decisive role down the stretch. With 13 carries for 73 yards and two touchdowns, Payne embodied the Horned Frogs’ resilience.
His most memorable play came in overtime, when he broke a tackle along the sideline, kept his balance, and burst into the end zone for the game-winning score.
Moments earlier, Ken Seals had dragged TCU into overtime with a perfectly managed drive, capped by Kyle Lemmermann’s field goal with two seconds left in regulation. Making his first start for TCU in place of Josh Hoover, Seals delivered a poised, mature performance, completing 29 of 40 passes for 258 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Trailing multiple times, the Horned Frogs stayed true to their identity. This overtime victory over a ranked opponent will stand as one of the defining wins of their season, driven by Seals’ calm under pressure and Payne’s decisive impact when it mattered most.
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