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
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USC vs TCU live updates
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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
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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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