The No. 1 ranked UConn women’s basketball team travels to Providence for a Big East contest on Wednesday, Dec. 31 (3 p.m., Peacock).

Azzi Fudd is averaging 18.1 points for the Huskies. Ashlynn Shade is making 1.5 3-pointers over the last 10 games. UConn is 13-0 and 4-0 in Big East play.

The Friars (8-6, 1-2 Big East) are 7-2 at home. Sabou Gueye is averaging 14.1 points per game with 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the Friars.

What time is UConn vs Providence?

The UConn Huskies play the Providence Friars on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 3 p.m. ET at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island.

UConn vs Providence: Streaming

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31
Time: 3 p.m. ET (12 p.m. PT)
Location: Amica Mutual Pavilion (Providence, Rhode Island)
Stream: Peacock

Ten seasons after providing fireworks in a wild comeback against Oregon in the 2016 Alamo Bowl game, TCU did it again, scoring 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter vs. Southern California to send the game to overtime and eventually win, 30-27, early on New Year’s Eve.

After giving up a field goal on the opening possession of overtime, the Horned Frogs scored the walk-off touchdown when backup quarterback Ken Seals checked down to running back Jeremy Payne, who avoided two USC defenders, barely kept his feet in bounds and scored with an improbable 35-yard catch-and-run:

Making the play even more improbable is the fact that, just the play before, Seals took a 10-yard sack to move the ball back to the 35-yard line. The Horned Frogs appeared only to be trying to get into field goal range on the checkdown, before Payne ended the game himself.

That capped a comeback in which TCU outscored USC 16-6 in the fourth quarter and overtime. The Trojans took a 24-14 lead with 9:37 remaining in regulation off a Ryon Sayeri 41-yard field goal before getting outscored 10-0 in the remainder of regulation. The Horned Frogs scored off a Payne 5-yard touchdown run with 5:13 left in the fourth quarter and a Kyle Lemmermann 27-yard field goal as time expired to send the game to OT.

USC’s offense faced first-and-goal at the 2-yard on the Trojans’ opening drive but could advance no further, settling for the field goal to make the score 27-24. Three plays later, TCU walked the Trojans off to maintain the Big 12’s undefeated bowl game record (3-0) and drop the Big Ten to 6-1.

Payne finished the game with 13 rushes for 73 yards and a score, plus six receptions for 50 yards and the game-winner. Seals, the Alamo Bowl MVP, completed 29 of 40 passes for 258 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

The final day of 2025 offers another full schedule of college football bowl games, culminating in the first of the four College Football Playoff quarterfinal contests.

But before Ohio State and Miami renew acquaintances for the first time in nearly a quarter century, there are several other compelling matchups on the undercard. The traditional year-end SEC vs. Big Ten twin bill in the Sunshine State is on the docket, and the ACC champion and a couple of contenders from the Big 12 also take the field.

Here’s everything you need to know if you want to end the calendar year with a day of gridiron action before that other ball drops at midnight.

ReliaQuest Bowl: No. 12 Vanderbilt vs. Iowa (8-4)

Time/TV: noon ET, ESPN in Tampa, Fla.

Why watch: The New Year’s Eve fun kicks off with this attractive matchup of teams that were, at least for parts of the season, in the playoff conversation. The Commodores admittedly were significantly closer to the at-large pool, but the Hawkeyes gave eventual Big Ten champion and No.-1 seed Indiana as much of a battle as anyone. Vanderbilt QB and Heisman runner-up Diego Pavia will play, but one of his top weapons, TE Eli Stowers, will not as he prepares for the NFL draft. The Iowa defense is always fundamentally sound, and LB Karson Sharar will lead the effort to keep Pavia bottled up. Hawkeyes’ QB Mark Gronowski isn’t quite the explosive two-way threat Pavia is, but he does have 15 rushing TDs to go along with his eight scoring throws. His primary pursuer will be Commodores’ DE Miles Capers.

Why it could disappoint: It shouldn’t, but it will also not be a track meet. These are similarly constructed teams that don’t often beat themselves, and the game-changing play could be delivered by the special teams.

Sun Bowl: Arizona State vs. Duke

Time/TV: 2 p.m. ET, CBS in El Paso, Texas.

Why watch: It’s a devilish matchup in west Texas as improbable ACC champ Duke takes on an ASU squad responsible for Texas Tech’s lone regular-season loss. Unfortunately from a competitive standpoint, the Sun Devils will be without most key contributors due to injury or intent to transfer. The good news is veteran QB Jeff Sims saw considerable playing time during the season when Sam Leavitt was sidelined. He’ll rely on RB Kanye Udoh for ground support with Raleek Brown also among the optouts. The Blue Devils are in better personnel shape, with QB Darian Mensah not only expected to play but also slated to return next season. Top RB Nate Sheppard and WR Cooper Barkate should also be available.

Why it could disappoint: It probably will to be honest. The Sun Devils will be able to put a viable team on the field, but Duke’s more experienced lineup could take charge in short order. Duke, 34-17.

Citrus Bowl: No. 14 Texas vs. No. 17 Michigan

Time/TV: 3 p.m. ET, ABC in Orlando, Fla.

Why watch: This is certainly a high-profile matchup in terms of name recognition. There’s also most assuredly a curiosity factor with the Wolverines in a messy coaching transition and the Longhorns hoping to lay a foundation for next season. Several key defenders for both teams won’t be available, including Texas DBMichael Taaffe and Michigan DL Jayshaun Barham. Longhorns QB Arch Manning and Wolverines QB Bryce Underwood will be around, though the latter’s plans for when Kyle Whittingham and his new coaching staff arrive in Ann Arbor remain to be seen.

Why it could disappoint: It’s hard to know what to expect in this one, as both teams have numerous players out with injuries even beyond the optouts and transfers. There aren’t likely to be many offensive fireworks regardless.

Las Vegas Bowl: No. 15 Utah vs. Nebraska

Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

Why watch: The final non-playoff contest of the day pits the Utes, whose only two losses came against the Big 12 finalists, and the Cornhuskers, whose promising season was derailed by injuries and second-half meltdowns. The game will mark the head coaching debut for Morgan Scalley, Utah’s long-time defensive coordinator who will succeed Kyle Whittingham perhaps one contest sooner than expected. Utes’ QB Devon Dampier and RB Wayshawn Parker are expected to play, and they should be able to control the clock by keeping the ball on the ground. Nebraska was already without QB Dylan Raiola for the final month of the campaign, and leading RB Emmett Johnson is opting out of this one. QB T.J. Lateef will be around, though he had limited success in November losses to Penn State and Iowa.

Why it could disappoint: Even if Nebraska had its opening-day lineup, there would be major mismatch potential. This will probably be over quickly.

Cotton Bowl: No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 10 Miami (Fla.)

Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN in Arlington, Texas.

Why watch: The first of the four quarterfinal bowls features the defending CFP champion Buckeyes, again officially the Big Ten runners-up but this time receiving a first-round bye due to new seeding policies, against the Hurricanes, the last team in from the at-large pool according to the rankings but justifying their inclusion with a first-round victory at Texas A&M. Miami QB Carson Beck could use another strong outing from RB Mark Fletcher and his run blockers, who will be up against the stingy Buckeyes’ ground defense that surrenders just 84.5 yards a game. Beck has a constant big-play threat in WR Malachi Toney, but the deep waters in the middle of the field where S Caleb Downs and LB Sonny Styles patrol can be quite treacherous. Ohio State QB Julian Sayin might need to stretch the field more as well. He certainly has the weapons with WRs Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, but the issue will be having enough time to find them with Hurricanes’ DEs Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor coming at him from the edges.

Why it could disappoint: There weren’t many points scored the last time both teams took the field, though that hardly meant their respective contests lacked drama. A barrage of mistakes might lead to a one-sided affair. For what it’s worth, Ohio State has not had a game like that this year, while Miami has.

NFL power rankings entering Week 18 of the 2025 season (previous rank in parentheses):

1. Los Angeles Rams (1): Say what? They’re still atop these rankings after successive losses that have relegated them to wild-card status? In a word: Yep. Matthew Stafford remains this season’s best quarterback. Puka Nacua remains this season’s best wideout. The defense is one of the NFC’s best when fully stocked. LA will be getting WR Davante Adams, DB Quentin Lake and some starting offensive linemen back for the playoffs. The Rams’ beleaguered special teams even made a big play in Monday night’s loss at Atlanta − a game that suddenly didn’t mean all that much after the weekend’s developments … and the Rams, not all that surprisingly, took a half to wake up. But yep, we’ll continue riding with a talented, veteran team coached by a football savant in Sean McVay that can beat anybody and, more importantly, do it anywhere.

2. Seattle Seahawks (2): Why aren’t they No. 1 … even though they might wind up there in the overall NFC standings? The defense is formidably elite, and the special teams aren’t far behind. But QB Sam Darnold still doesn’t have a playoff win on his résumé, and Seattle’s run game can be feast or famine. This team could struggle to get out of a two-score hole against playoff competition. And, oddly, the ‘Hawks are actually better on the road.

3. New England Patriots (5): Why aren’t they No. 1 … even though they might wind up there in the overall AFC standings? Drake Maye looks like a future MVP … and maybe even the next one if Stafford loses enough momentum. But this is an inexperienced squad that’s benefited from a weak schedule − one of its 13 wins against opponents that currently have a winning record. And Tuesday’s breaking news regarding WR Stefon Diggs’ sudden legal concerns − and, equally important, his alleged behavior − are a worrisome and unwelcome distraction … best case. Are the Next Gen Pats ready to win big now? TBD.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars (3): Why aren’t they No. 1 … even though they might wind up there in the overall AFC standings? Their seven-game winning streak, most of those victories of the decisive variety, is currently second only to Houston’s. The Jags are committed to the run, take the ball away and can rush the passer. But as well as QB Trevor Lawrence has played since Thanksgiving, he also remains an unproven commodity − at the professional level anyway − when it comes to January football.

5. San Francisco 49ers (4): Why aren’t they No. 1 … even though they might wind up there in the overall NFC standings? They’re not even two years removed from a near-miss Super Bowl, can light up a scoreboard with anybody − largely because QB Brock Purdy has a blazingly hot hand, and RB Christian McCaffrey has become a helluva rhythm guitar for this offense. But have the Niners lost too many key bodies, especially on defense, to survive in January … even if LB Fred Warner somehow returns at some point in the playoffs? Run enough track meets, and you’re bound to get dangerously fatigued.

6. Denver Broncos (6): Why aren’t they No. 1 … even though they might wind up there in the overall AFC standings? The defense is as scary as any in the league. And while the Broncos consistently play to the level of their competition, that’s not necessarily a bad thing when you enter the postseason. But second-year QB Bo Nix remains something of a wild card, and his pattern of salvaging wins in the fourth quarter could be tough to maintain against top-level competition.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (13): They’re desperately hoping to be a fourth seed with Aaron Rodgers. Hard to see this limited team being much more than one-and-done in the playoffs … if it even gets that far.

14. Baltimore Ravens (15): Everyone seems to be expecting another big game from RB Derrick Henry on Sunday night. Just a note − he’s averaged 57.3 rushing yards in three career games in Pittsburgh.

16. Atlanta Falcons (17): They’re 3-0 in their gorgeous throwback uniforms this season and 4-9 otherwise. Maybe they should change their wardrobe before they change management?

18. Detroit Lions (14): A team that hadn’t had a losing streak since 2022 could end this season on a four-game tailspin − one that would leave the Lions below .500 for the first time since 2021.

19. Dallas Cowboys (21): Given how the last 12 months have gone − notably the departures of former coach Mike McCarthy and DE Micah Parsons − a .500 finish in 2025 would have seemed rather admirable. One more win will get Dallas there.

21. Indianapolis Colts (19): Nunc Coepi, fellas … just not sure who you’re beginning with next.

29. New York Giants (30): Who’s Richard Johnson, you ask? The last player − prior to Giants WR Wan’Dale Robinson − to have a 1,000-yard receiving season despite being 5-8 or shorter. If only the Giants had shorter odds for the draft’s No. 1 pick after their costly win in Las Vegas.

ATLANTA – Of all teams, the Atlanta Falcons could be the one that ultimately knocks the Tampa Bay Buccaneers out of the NFC playoffs.

“Hey, that’d be cool,” Bijan Robinson, the Falcons star running back, said after his huge, 229-yard performance fueled an upset of the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night.

Sure, the Bucs can stay alive by defeating the Carolina Panthers in an NFC South showdown on Saturday.

Yet to claim a fifth straight division crown and advance to the playoffs, the Bucs also need the Falcons – eliminated from the playoffs in mid-December — to lose against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. If the Bucs top Carolina and the Falcons win their finale, it would set up a three-way tie of 8-9 teams atop the NFC South…with Carolina winning the division and playoff berth based on a three-way tiebreaker.

Thus, the Bucs’ dreaded division rival could have a prime opportunity to play spoiler. Carolina’s tiebreaker edge would come because of a better record in games between the three teams.

“That’s so unfortunate, so unfortunate to hear,” said Robinson, told of the Bucs’ plight. “A three-way tie, I wish it was us. I wish it was up to the last game to determine who’s in the playoffs.”

Well, in one sense, it may come down to the last game for the Falcons to have a say in the playoff race. They can close the season with a five-game winning streak and claim a share of the division title. It’s just that it still wouldn’t be enough to get into the playoffs.

Of course, the simplest path for the Panthers (8-8) is to defeat the Bucs and complete a sweep of the season series. If not, Carolina can then root for the Falcons.

Tampa Bay, meanwhile, could have its playoff fate hinging on Atlanta.

“Man, that would suck,” Robinson added. “But it is what it is.”

What a fitting piece of potential drama for Week 18.

“You just never know what can happen in this league,” Robinson said.

And if Panthers fans wake up on Sunday and are so moved to make the trek to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to root for the Falcons, tickets are still available.

Contact Jarrett Bell at jbell@usatoday.com or follow on  X: @JarrettBell

The University of Colorado’s Board of Regents has stressed that the new athletic director, Fernando Lovo, should prioritize building relationships with Colorado high schools.
This emphasis contrasts with head football coach Deion Sanders’ recruiting strategy, which largely focuses on transfer players and out-of-state high school talent.
Sanders has signed only three Colorado high school recruits in his last three classes and does not make off-campus recruiting visits.

Deion Sanders’ new athletic director at Colorado has made a commitment to do something that Sanders hasn’t really done in his three years as Colorado’s football coach – build relationships with Colorado high schools and improve recruiting ties with them.

This change is a priority for the new athletic director, Fernando Lovo, according to the University of Colorado Board of Regents. The regents approved Lovo’s hiring at a meeting on Monday Dec. 29 and got a commitment from Lovo to improve relations with Colorado high schools, according to one of the nine board members, Frank McNulty.

By contrast, Sanders himself barely has any relations with Colorado high schools, according to his recruiting practices. He doesn’t make off-campus recruiting visits to high schools and has signed only three Colorado high school recruits to football scholarships in his last three recruiting classes of 43 high school players combined.

But McNulty said at the board meeting that Lovo has promised to emphasize ‘relationships within the state of Colorado and particularly with our high school coaches, not just for football and basketball, but for all of our student-athletes in the state of Colorado.”

The Board of Regents governs the University of Colorado system and approves the contracts of Colorado’s chancellor, athletic director and head football coach. Lovo, 37, previously served as the athletic director at New Mexico and will start his new job as Sanders’ boss on Jan. 1. Whether Lovo will tell Sanders to change his recruiting strategy to meet this new in-state commitment isn’t clear, but USA TODAY Sports contacted McNulty to learn more about it.

What does this emphasis mean for Deion Sanders?

McNulty didn’t mention Sanders by name or single out football. But football is the university’s biggest sport in terms of visibility, revenue, players and coaches.

“It’s important to me that the University of Colorado is active in high school athletics, that we support our high school coaches and that we build those relationships and appreciate this candidate’s emphasis on that and his commitment to it,” McNulty said at the meeting.

USA TODAY Sports followed up with McNulty after the meeting and asked if these comments were in reference to Sanders’ lack of Colorado recruits and the fact he doesn’t make off-campus recruiting trips, unlike other coaches.

“While we hear from Colorado high school coaches and parents about football, it’s not just football,” McNulty replied. “CU’s athletic programs need to be present for coaches and student athletes in Colorado high schools.  It is our responsibility and our opportunity as the state’s flagship university. Recruiting visits are certainly a part of it. It’s also building relationships. These are priorities that we discussed with Director Lovo.  While I don’t expect CU Boulder or (UC Colorado Springs) to land every top athlete from Colorado high schools, I do expect these young men and women to know that CU is an option for them.”

Lovo wasn’t available for comment.

Deion Sanders takes different approach

Sanders has relied on transfer players from other universities to build his roster and has said he’s more selective about which high school players he takes. He also has liked to recruit players from Florida, Texas and the South.

His 2025 freshman class included three players from Georgia, three from Florida, two from Tennessee, two from Texas and one from Colorado.  In June, Colorado also hosted football camps for high school and younger players in Boulder, but Sanders wasn’t there because he was recovering from bladder surgery.

For the 2026 freshman class, Sanders then signed only one Colorado high school recruit to a scholarship − offensive lineman Josiah Manu from Loveland, who ranked as the 18th best recruit in the state, according to 247Sports Composite rankings. The 17 players ranked above Manu all signed with colleges outside the state, such as Oregon, Texas, Oklahoma and UCLA.

By contrast, Colorado coaching legend Bill McCartney once signed 12 in-state players to his team in 1984 as he built the program toward a national championship in 1990.

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

The Denver Nuggets can breathe a sigh of relief.

Medical testing and an MRI has revealed that star center Nikola Jokić, the three-time NBA Most Valuable Player, avoided a serious knee injury. The team announced Tuesday, Dec. 30 that Jokić suffered a hyperextension on his left knee and said he would be reevaluated in four weeks.

This development is a massive relief for the Nuggets, after the awkward nature of the injury prompted concerns about possible ligaments rupture. This should allow Denver to remain competitive in his absence.

It comes, however, as the team has been dealing with a rash of separate injuries.

Jokić, 30, suffered the injury Monday, Dec. 29 in a 147-123 loss against the Miami Heat. The play came with just six seconds left in the first half. As Jokić was in the paint, shuffling his feet on defense, Nuggets forward Spencer Jones was pushed backward and Jones stepped on Jokić’s left foot. Jokić had been planting on the foot, causing his left knee to buckle and hyperextend backwards.

He lay on the court in apparent discomfort and grabbed at his knee. Trainers and medical staff tended to him, before he eventually got up and went into the locker room with a significant limp.

‘Immediately, he knew something was wrong,’ Nuggets coach David Adelman told reporters after the game. ‘This is part of the NBA. Anyone who gets hurt, it’s gut-wrenching, especially somebody as special as he is.’

The Nuggets had initially listed Jokić as questionable to return with a left knee injury, but they quickly ruled out his return after that.

Jokić becomes the fourth starter to miss time, joining forwards Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Cameron Johnson (knee) and guard Christian Braun (ankle).

Jokić had been playing MVP-caliber basketball this season for Denver, averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds and 11.0 assists in 31 games.

Denver dropped to 22-10 and is currently on a seven-game road trip. The next game is Wednesday, Dec. 31 against the Toronto Raptors.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is entering uncharted territory as the NBA’s elder statesman.

Through 14 games, James averaged 20.5 points per game, a career low … but the most for any player in NBA history who’s age 40 or older.

James entered Tuesday shooting 50% from the field, including 31% on 3-point attempts. He also had averages of 6.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game.

James, who has played an NBA-record 23 seasons, turned 41 years old on Tuesday.

The Lakers played the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, Dec. 30, in the first of two regular-season meetings. Here’s a look at James’ stats from the contest:

LeBron James stats, points vs Pistons

Minutes: 32
Points: 17
FG: 6-17 (3-10 from 3)
FT: 2-5
Rebounds: 4
Assists: 4
Turnovers: 5
Steals: 1
Blocks: 1
Fouls: 1

Pistons vs. Lakers highlights

LeBron James’ regular-season career stats

Here are LeBron James career statistics in his 23 seasons in the NBA, entering play Tuesday:

Career averages

Points: 26.9
Rebounds: 7.5
Assists: 7.4
Blocks: 0.7
Steals: 1.5
Field Goal Percentage: 50.6%
3-point percentage: 34.9%
Free throw percentage: 73.7%

Career totals

Points: 42,471
Rebounds: 11,800
Assists: 11,678
Blocks: 1,159
Steals: 2,359
Field goals made/attempted: 15,596/30,796
3-point field goals made/attempted: 2,579/7,385
Free throws made/attempted: 8,700/11,811

Lakers’ tenure

Here are LeBron James’ statistics in eight seasons as a Los Angeles Laker, entering play Tuesday:

Points: 26.4
Rebounds: 7.8
Assists: 8.0
Blocks: 0.6
Steals: 1.1
Field goal percentage: 51.3%
3-point percentage: 35.9%
Free throw percentage: 72.7%

LeBron James career stats vs. Pistons

James entered Tuesday with a 42-23 record against the Pistons in 65 games played. He’s averaged 24.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 7.2 assists in 65 games played against Detroit in his NBA career.

TCU football pulled off the upset over No. 16 USC, 30-27 in an overtime shootout, in the Alamo Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 30 inside the Alamodome in San Antonio.

The hero for the Horned Frogs proved to be running back Jeremy Payne, who broke through multiple Trojans defenders along the sideline on a check-down pass from Ken Seals to win the game in overtime with a 35-yard touchdown catch.

It’s a rather poetic win for TCU, as it comes on the 10th anniversary of its historic come-from-behind overtime win in the 2016 Alamo Bowl against Oregon, when the Horned Frogs trailed 31-0 at halftime. On Tuesday, the Horned Frogs erased a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter with a 5-yard touchdown from Payne and a 27-yard field goal from Kyle Lemmermann as time expired.

TCU improved to 4-0 in its trips to the Alamo Bowl.

USC looked to have been on its way to a win in its first trip to the Alamo Bowl when Jayden Maiava connected with Jaden Richardson on third-and-8 for a ridiculous, one-handed 21-yard touchdown catch late in the third quarter. TCU held USC to just a field goal in the fourth quarter and to start overtime.

Maiava completed 18-of-30 passes for 280 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. With USC without its top-three receivers, including Biletnikoff Award winner Makai Lemon, true freshman Tanook Hines had a huge night, finishing with six catches for 163 receiving yards. 

Seals completed 29-of-40 passes for 258 yards, a touchdown and an interception in his first start for the Horned Frogs with Josh Hoover in the transfer portal. Seals also had a rushing touchdown on the night.

USA TODAY Sports provided live updates from the game. Follow along for a recap:

USC vs TCU highlights

USC vs TCU final score

This section will be updated

USC vs TCU live updates

This section has been updated with new information

Overtime: TCU 30, USC 27

TCU walks off USC in overtime

HOLY HORNED FROGS! Jeremy Payne runs through multiple USC defenders along the sideline for the game-winning 35-yard touchdown catch to give TCU a 30-27 win in the Alamo Bowl.

USC sacks Ken Seals

USC sends the four-man rush and Kameryn Crawford sacks Ken Seals for a loss of 10 yards to make it third-and-20 for TCU. Crawford’s sack comes after officials overturned a deep pass originally caught by Jospeh Manjack IV along the sideline at the USC 4-yard line for the Horned Frogs.

USC takes lead with FG in overtime

TCU holds USC to a 22-yard field goal attempt from Ryon Sayeri on the Trojans’ first overtime drive. The Trojans were down to the 2-yard line with a second-and-goal, but the Horned Frogs pushed King Miller back three yards on the play.

TCU can win the game with a touchdown here.

TCU wins toss, USC starts OT with ball

USC will start with the ball in overtime after TCU wins the coin toss and elects to play defense first. Away we go (again) in OT in San Antonio!

End of fourth quarter: USC 24, TCU 24

TCU field goal forces overtime

Kyle Lemmermann hits the 27-yard field goal for TCU to force overtime against USC. What a gutsy and well-orchestrated drive by TCU quarterback Ken Seals.

The Horned Frogs erased a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

TCU knocking on red zone

Ben Seals connects with Major Everhart for a 20-yard catch up the middle of the field to get TCU to the USC 25-yard line.

TCU driving at two-minute timeout

TCU picks up the first down right before the two-minute timeout with a 6-yard pass from Ken Seals to Jeremy Payne. The Horned Frogs are at their own 41-yard line with all three timeouts remaining.

USC nearly came up with a game-sealing, scoop-and-score touchdown, but officials ruled that Seals’ throw that bounced off a TCU lineman’s helmet was a forward pass.

TCU gets stop

TCU will have a chance at tying or winning the Alamo Bowl, as the Horned Frogs’ defense gets the stop they needed. Jayden Maiava tries to go downfield to Tanook Hines for a deep ball, but Hines is unable to reel it in.

Ken Seals and TCU will get the ball back at its own 31-yard line with 2:44 on the game clock and three timeouts. Fun finish coming up in San Antonio.

TCU cuts deficit with TD

TCU isn’t going away that easily. Jeremy Payne finishes off a 5-yard run for the touchdown to make it a three-point game at 24-21 with 4:26 remaining in the fourth quarter.

USC extends lead with field goal

USC pushes its lead to two possessions with a 41-yard field goal from Ryon Sayeri. The scoring drive was eight plays for 46 yards and took 5:05 off the game clock.

The Trojans now lead TCU 24-14 with 9:37 remaining in the fourth quarter.

End of third quarter: USC 21, TCU 14

Jaden Richardson makes one-handed TD catch for USC

HOLY SMOKES, Jaden RICHARDSON! What a snag!

Jayden Maiava takes a shot downfield and connects with Jaden Richardson for the one-handed, 21-yard touchdown pass on third-and-8 to give USC the 21-14 lead following a successful 2-point conversion attempt. It’s a well-thrown ball by Maiava and a fantastic job by Richardson to win the 50-50 ball against the TCU defender.

The scoring drive was set up by a 46-yard pass from Maiava to Tanook Hines. The drive was five plays for 53 yards and took 3:02 off the game clock.

USC gets stop

USC gets the stop it needed from its defense, as TCU has a quick three-and-out following Jayden Maiava’s interception. Desmen Stephens II lands a big hit on Jeremy Payne on third-and-4 that resulted in a loss of a yard.

TCU intercepts Jayden Maiava

TCU intercepts Jayden Maiava for the second time on the night. This time, the interception comes on second-and-goal at the TCU 7-yard line, where Maiava’s pass across the middle of the end zone falls short and into the hands of TCU’s Channing Canada.

It’s a costly interception and mistake from Maiava as the Trojans were knocking on the door of reclaiming the lead.

USC intercepts Ken Seals

After just missing out on a fumble recovery the previous play, USC’s defense comes up with its first takeaway of the night. Jadyn Walker tips Ken Seals’ passing attempt on second-and-11, and it is caught by Christian Pierce.

The Trojans take over at the TCU 30-yard line.

End of first half: TCU 14, USC 13

USC cuts deficit with field goal

Ryon Sayeri hits the 28-yard field goal to cut USC’s deficit to 14-13 just before halftime. The Trojans came up short on multiple passing attempts into the end zone to even the score, including Jayden Maiava’s third-and-4 throw to Jaden Richardson that was broken up by safety Bud Clark.

The scoring drive was 10 plays for 64 yards and took 4:40 off the game clock.

Ken Seals scores TCU touchdown

Ken Seals calls his own number and fools the USC defense, as the TCU quarterfinal finds the back of the end zone for the 1-yard rushing touchdown. It’s a great decision and read by Seals to give the Horned Frogs back-to-back touchdown drives.

The Horned Frogs also caught USC’s defense off guard on the previous play when they called a jet sweep with Major Everhart, which resulted in an 11-yard carry. The scoring drive was 13 plays for 75 yards and took 4:59 off the game clock.

King Miller gives USC back lead

USC reclaims a 10-7 lead over TCU in the Alamo Bowl with a 2-yard rushing touchdown from King Miller. It’s an impressive drive and bounce back from the Trojans following Jayden Maiava’s interception on the previous drive.

The big play of the drive was a 36-yard pass from Maiava to Tanook Hines that put the Trojans at the TCU 1-yard line. The scoring drive was seven plays for 75 yards and took 3:39 off the game clock.

TCU takes lead with rushing TD

Jon Denman breaks through USC’s defensive line into the end zone for a 5-yard rushing touchdown to give TCU a 7-3 lead in the second quarter. It’s a well-balanced drive by the Horned Frogs, who ran the ball five times and threw the ball four times.

The scoring drive was set up by Jamel Johnson’s interception off Jayden Maiava.

End of first quarter: USC 3, TCU 0

TCU intercepts Jayden Maiava

Jayden Maiava tries to go deep up the middle of the field to Taniela Tupou on second-and-9, but TCU safety Jamel Johnson intercepts the pass. The interception ends a five-play drive that was in plus territory on TCU’s side of the field.

USC takes lead with field goal

Ryon Sayeri puts USC on the board with a 40-yard field goal. He is now 18-of-21 on the season in field goal attempts.

The scoring drive was seven plays for 50 yards and took 3:46 off the game clock.

TCU punts

It’s a quick three-and-out for Ken Seals and TCU. The drive took just 1:24 of game time off the clock.

USC punts

USC’s opening drive ends with a punt, as Jayden Maiava misses Tanook Hines down the field on third-and-8. The Trojans created 16 total yards of offense across six plays.

Ken Seals trots out onto the field with the TCU offense for his first snap as a starting quarterback. The Horned Frogs will start at their own 15-yard line after a 46-yard punt from USC punter Sam Johnson.

TCU wins coin toss

TCU wins the coin toss and elects to defer the opening kickoff to the second half. It will be Jayden Maiava and USC’s offense out on the field first in San Antonio.

Pregame

USC makes change at defensive coordinator for Alamo Bowl

According to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn will not be coaching in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 30, as he is taking the same role at Penn State. In Lynn’s absence, Trojans co-defensive coordinator Eric Henderson will call plays.

Kickoff coming after Music City Bowl

USC and TCU will kick off in the Alamo Bowl following the conclusion of the Music City Bowl between Tennessee and Illinois. The Vols currently lead 28-27 with 1:46 remaining in the fourth quarter.

TCU arrives at Alamo Bowl

The Horned Frogs are on site for the Alamo Bowl. TCU is making a return to the Alamo Bowl on the 10th anniversary of its come-from-behind overtime win over Oregon in 2015. In that game, the Horned Frogs rallied from a 31-0 halftime deficit to beat the Ducks 47-41 in overtime.

Who is starting at quarterback for TCU in Alamo Bowl?

With Josh Hoover in the transfer portal, TCU will start Ken Seals at quarterback in the Alamo Bowl against USC. Seals has not appeared in a game since Sept. 13 against Abilene Christian when he completed 4-of-5 passes for 11 yards and an interception.

Is Makai Lemon playing for USC in Alamo Bowl?

No, USC will be without star wide receiver Makai Lemon in the Alamo Bowl against TCU, as he has declared for the NFL draft. USA TODAY Sports’ Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz currently has Lemon projected to go No. 27 to the San Francisco 49ers in his latest mock draft.

Jayden Maiava stats

USC quarterback Jayden Maiava enters the Alamo Bowl ranked first in the Big Ten in passing yards (3,431) and fifth in touchdown passes(23). The program announced on Dec. 16 that Maiava has re-signed with the Trojans for the 2026 college football season.

Here’s a look at Maiava’s stats this season at USC:

Passing: 247-of-373 passing for 3,431 yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions
Rushing: 150 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns on 51 carries

USC reveals uniform for Alamo Bowl

It appears that USC will wear its traditional road uniforms for the Alamo Bowl against TCU.

What time does USC vs TCU start?

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 30
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Where: Alamodome (San Antonio)

USC and TCU are set for a 9 p.m. ET kickoff on Tuesday, Dec. 30 in the Alamo Bowl inside the Alamodome in San Antonio.

What TV channel is USC vs TCU on today?

TV: ESPN
Streaming options: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)

ESPN will nationally broadcast the Alamo Bowl between USC and TCU. Bob Wischusen and Louis Riddick will broadcast the game from the booth at the Alamo Bowl with Dana Boyle reporting from the sidelines.

Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app (with a TV login) and Fubo, which carries the ESPN family of networks and offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Stream USC vs. TCU in Alamo Bowl live with Fubo (free trial)

USC vs TCU predictions in Alamo Bowl

Here’s who experts within the USA TODAY Sports Network picked to win the Alamo Bowl:

Matt Hayes: USC
Jordan Mendoza: USC
Paul Myerberg: USC
Erick Smith: TCU
Eddie Timanus: USC
Blake Toppmeyer: USC

USC vs TCU odds, spread for Alamo Bowl

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Saturday, Dec. 27

Spread: USC -6.5
Over/under: 55.5
Moneyline: USC (-235) | TCU (+195)

Stream USC vs. TCU in Alamo Bowl live with Fubo (free trial)

USC football opt-outs for Alamo Bowl vs TCU

This section will be updated

TCU football opt-outs for Alamo Bowl vs USC

This section will be updated

USC football schedule 2025

Here’s a look at USC’s football schedule in 2025:

Saturday, Aug. 30: USC 73, Missouri State 13
Saturday, Sept. 6: USC 59, Georgia Southern 20
Saturday, Sept. 13: USC 33, Purdue 17 *
Saturday, Sept. 20: USC 45, Michigan State 31 *
Saturday, Sept. 27: No. 23 Illinois 34, USC 32 *
Saturday, Oct. 4: BYE
Saturday, Oct. 11: USC 31, No. 15 Michigan 13 *
Saturday, Oct. 18: No. 13 Notre Dame 34, USC 24
Saturday, Oct. 25: BYE
Saturday, Nov. 1: USC 21, Nebraska 17 *
Friday, Nov. 7: USC 38, Northwestern 17 *
Saturday, Nov. 15: USC 26, No. 21 Iowa 21 *
Saturday, Nov. 22: No. 7 Oregon 42, USC 27 *
Saturday, Nov. 29: USC 29, UCLA 10 *
Tuesday, Dec. 30: vs. TCU | 9 p.m. ET | ESPN (Fubo) **

* Denotes Big Ten game

** Denotes Alamo Bowl

TCU football schedule 2025

Here’s a look at TCU’s schedule in 2025:

Monday, Sept. 1: TCU 48, UNC 14
Saturday, Sept. 6: BYE
Saturday, Sept. 13: TCU 42, Abilene Christian 21
Saturday, Sept. 20: TCU 35, SMU 24
Friday, Sept. 26: Arizona State 27, TCU 24 *
Saturday, Oct. 4: TCU 35, Colorado 21 *
Saturday, Oct. 11: Kansas State 41, TCU 28 *
Saturday, Oct. 18: TCU 42, Baylor 36 *
Saturday, Oct. 25: TCU 23, West Virginia 17 *
Saturday, Nov. 1: BYE
Saturday, Nov. 8: Iowa State 20, TCU 17 *
Saturday, Nov. 15: No. 12 BYU 44, TCU 13 *
Saturday, Nov. 22: TCU 17, No. 23 Houston 14 *
Saturday, Nov. 29: TCU 45, Cincinnati 23 *
Tuesday, Dec. 30: vs. No. 16 USC | 9 p.m. ET | ESPN (Fubo)

* Denotes Big 12 game

** Denotes Alamo Bowl

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Before getting his first head coaching job, Curt Cignetti was an Alabama assistant from 2007-11.
Cignetti’s former colleagues said at Alabama, they saw the qualities that would make him a successful head coach.
Now leading No. 1 Indiana, Cignetti said his time at Alabama provided the blueprint to his success today.

“This guy is very intelligent.”

That was the thought Major Applewhite had after meeting a fellow Alabama staff member. It was 2007, Nick Saban’s inaugural year in Tuscaloosa, and Applewhite was his first offensive coordinator. 

Applewhite was 28 – the youngest coordinator in the Bowl Subdivision. Yet, it took five seconds for this staff member to capture Applewhite’s attention. Not only was he intelligent, he was extremely passionate, loved football and had a clear vision of what good football looks like.

That guy? That would be Curt Cignetti – receivers coach and recruiting coordinator.

Not many knew who Cignetti was when Saban hired him in February 2007, but the college football world knows him now. He changed Indiana football forever, turning it from the perennial loser to the top seed in the College Football Playoff.

In what has become a dream season for the Hoosiers, they are the closest they’ve ever been for a national championship. The first step in the playoff is the quarterfinal in the Rose Bowl.

The opponent? None other than Alabama. 

It wasn’t his first coaching gig after starting in the business in 1983. It wasn’t his longest, spending just four years with the Crimson Tide.

But it was perhaps his most important stop, as the team he will face on New Year’s Day built Cignetti into who he is.

“It was a real important part of my journey,” Cignetti said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without my time under Nick (Saban).”

How Curt Cignetti succeeded at Alabama

Cignetti arrived in Tuscaloosa after stops like Pittsburgh and North Carolina State and made an immediate impact. 

After a 7-6 record in Alabama’s first year with Saban, Cignetti helped bring in the guys that laid the foundation for the Crimson Tide dynasty. He was key in the recruitment of Mark Ingram, Dont’a Hightower and Julio Jones. All guys that helped Alabama win the 2009 national championship in Saban’s third season.

Cignetti wouldn’t take much credit for helping bring players that won a Heisman Trophy and had standout NFL careers, but those that worked with him let it be known how instrumental he was.

“When he would bring something up, you knew it was well thought out,” Jim McElwain, Alabama offensive coordinator from 2008-11, told USA TODAY Sports. “He did a great job of the background of each player. You knew when he brought one to the table, it was one that had been vetted and one that was going to fit within the organization.”

Being able to land premier recruits was one thing, but he was also able them turn into stars that could play In the NFL. Jones was SEC freshman of the year and sixth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Marquis Maze and Kevin Norwood were key pieces in multiple national championship teams.

Connecting with players with unique approach

It was just one season working with him, but Applewhite saw how Cignetti connected with players. He said there was a unique approach to how he handled his position group which helping both player and coach grow, building characteristics and attributes that he hadn’t thought of. 

“If it’s genuine and you’re really trying to make that player better, then a connection is usually created,” Applewhite said. “He had a lot of knowledge that he could disseminate to those players and in a very effective way that they knew what to do. I think players saw that as very valuable. Here’s a guy who’s upbeat, wants to coach me hard, wants to get me better. He’s consistent. What else can I ask for?

“Players thrived underneath him there,” he added.

As a result, Cignetti made lives for his coordinators easy. As McElwain put it, if you ever have to get involved in a position group that isn’t yours, something’s wrong. That was never needed with Cignetti in the three seasons working together.

“Cig’s guys were always prepared,” McElwain said. “They knew the plan, and they played their tails off.”

What Curt Cignetti learned from Nick Saban

Not only was Cignetti becoming a better coach, he was learning how to run an organization, “trained by one of the best” in Saban. He saw how Saban structured things and found the right pieces to build the foundation for a program that would win six national championships during his tenure.

There was plenty of knowledge to gain from Saban, who welcomed taking ideas from his assistants. But McElwain noted the Hall of Fame coach preached was you have to be you, not somebody else. Cignetti got to truly find himself and see what works and what doesn’t.

While figuring out the best methods, Cignetti stayed true to himself, and it often came across as bold. He was always trying to win the battles in practice, and if there was something he thought could be done better, he was going to say it.

It may have caused some debates, but it also opened the eyes of some fellow staffers, and it wasn’t just Saban helping others grow. Applewhite said it could be frustrating working with someone as young as he was, but Cignetti’s explanations and work ethic helped him grow. He later became a head coach at Houston and currently the head coach at South Alabama.

Becoming a head coach

Saban didn’t really get what Cignetti was trying to do in January 2011 when Cignetti was in the process of getting his first head coaching job at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Saban had some questions if going to a Division II school was a good move, but Cignetti felt he was “just ready to kind of run my own show” after 28 years of being an assistant.

It was familiar ground for Cignetti. His father, Frank Sr., was the head coach there from 1980-2005. But when the younger Cignetti showed interest in the job, it even surprised then-athletic director Frank Condino, who had worked with his dad. He thought it was “really bold” for Cignetti to want it.

“I just didn’t realize how ready he was to be a head coach that time, and then I wasn’t sure why an FCS program wouldn’t have taken a chance on Curt as a head coach,” Condino said.

Applewhite was at Texas at the time and knew just from one year of working together, Cignetti wasn’t just going to wait for an opportunity at a high-profile job. Besides, those that worked with him knew he had the perfect qualities to be head coach. 

“There was no doubt in my mind he had all the things that it takes,” McElwain said. “You can see that some guys have it. He had it.”

At first, Cignetti did wonder if Saban was right because it was such a drastic change. Condino said his mindset was to let Cignetti control the program his way. He anticipated the coach would succeed, and it would go that way if he allowed the experienced assistant to run the show. 

He did well, winning 53 games in six seasons and reaching the Division II playoffs three times. That success led to more winning at Elon and James Madison before landing in Bloomington. 

Indiana success using Alabama blueprint

What Cignetti’s former co-workers love about seeing the turnaround at Indiana is he “has not changed in any way,” McElwain said. Applewhite added he still sees the same passion, confidence and “steadfast conviction” from 2007. Cignetti admitted the blueprint of Indiana draws plenty from that time in Tuscaloosa.

“Philosophically, the program that we run here is probably a lot more the same than different than Alabama,” Cignetti said. “There’s probably not a day that goes by where I don’t draw from those experiences.”

His former colleagues will be tuned in on New Year’s Day. McElwain noted it will be the same venue they won a national championship together in the 2010 Rose Bowl against Texas, and now Cignetti gets to do it on his own. Condido said he expects the town of Indiana, Pennsylvania, to watch and root on their former coach.

There aren’t many people that could have envisioned Cignetti leading Indiana to heights its never reached before. But if you were around the mind who was ready for his shot nearly 15 years ago, it does make some sense.

“Did I see it coming? No, nobody did,” Applewhite said. “Does it totally surprise you? Knowing Curt, the kind of coach he is and knowing where college football is, it doesn’t totally surprise you. 

“But it’s still a phenomenal story.”