USC Falls in Overtime to TCU 30-27 in Thrilling Alamo Bowl

The USC football team narrowly missed a 10-win season, losing to TCU 30-27 in overtime during the Alamo Bowl on December 26, 2023, at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The Trojans, who finished the season with a record of 9-4, faced a challenging battle as their defense struggled in crucial moments. TCU quarterback Ken Seals delivered a decisive 35-yard touchdown pass to Jeremy Payne, sealing the victory for the Horned Frogs, who also concluded their season at 9-4.

Throughout the game, USC’s defense allowed TCU to accumulate 258 passing yards and 117 rushing yards, while struggling with missed tackles. The Trojans’ defensive coordinator, D’Anton Lynn, was absent due to his reported new position at Penn State, leaving co-defensive coordinator Eric Henderson to lead the defensive efforts.

USC quarterback Jayden Maiava completed 18 of 30 passes for 280 yards, contributing one touchdown but also throwing two interceptions. Receiver Tanook Hines shone with a season-high 163 receiving yards on six receptions, while running back King Miller rushed for 99 yards and a touchdown.

The Trojans took the lead late in the third quarter when Jaden Richardson made a spectacular one-handed touchdown catch, marking his first career touchdown at USC. This play put USC ahead 21-14 after a successful two-point conversion pass to tight end Taniela Tupou.

Despite extending their lead to 24-14 with a 41-yard field goal from Ryon Sayeri, who set a program record with his 20th field goal of the season, USC could not maintain control of the game. TCU responded with an 8-yard touchdown run from Payne and later tied the game with a 27-yard field goal by Kyle Lemmerman as time expired in regulation.

Sayeri opened the scoring with a 40-yard field goal for USC in the first quarter. The Trojans faced early challenges when safety Jamel Johnson intercepted Maiava’s pass, marking the quarterback’s fifth interception of the season. Notably, running back Waymond Jordan was unable to play, leaving Miller to handle the rushing duties.

In the second quarter, Miller scored USC’s first touchdown after breaking a tackle at the 1-yard line. TCU responded with a touchdown of their own, as Seals executed a quarterback keeper for a score, giving his team a brief lead.

Despite the absence of key receivers Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, both of whom opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft, the Trojans remained competitive. Their absence was felt throughout the game, particularly in the red zone, where contested catches were crucial.

As the game unfolded, it became clear that both teams were evenly matched, leading to a thrilling overtime period. Ultimately, Sayeri’s field goal in overtime fell short, and TCU secured the win with Seals’ touchdown pass, capping off an exhilarating game for both teams.

This closely contested match highlighted the resilience of USC, despite the disappointment of missing out on a 10-win season. The Trojans will look to regroup and build on their experiences as they prepare for the upcoming season.