TCU Ends Regular Season on a High Note, Eyes Bowl Destination After 45-23 Win Over Cincinnati
TCU wrapped up its regular season in emphatic fashion, powering past Cincinnati 45-23 in a game that was anything but ordinary. A 93-minute lightning delay in the first half could’ve derailed the momentum, but the Horned Frogs stayed locked in and delivered a statement win to close the season at 8-4 overall and 5-4 in Big 12 play.
It was the second straight win for TCU, who rebounded from a rough two-game skid in early November. Losses to Iowa State and BYU had the Frogs reeling, but back-to-back victories over Houston and Cincinnati helped steady the ship and reestablish some postseason momentum heading into bowl season.
No, the Frogs won’t be making a return trip to the Big 12 Championship Game this year. But finishing strong has done wonders for their bowl outlook, as several national projections now have TCU headed to intriguing matchups across the country. Bowl destinations will be officially announced on Sunday, December 7, but here’s where the Horned Frogs are currently projected to land - and what those matchups could look like.
Liberty Bowl vs. Tulane (CBS Sports Projection)
One of the more compelling scenarios has TCU squaring off against Tulane in the Liberty Bowl on January 2 in Memphis. Tulane, fresh off a 10-2 season, is still in the hunt for the Group of Five’s New Year’s Six bowl spot and will play in the American Athletic Conference title game on December 6. But there’s been some shakeup - head coach Jon Sumrall has already announced he’s heading to Florida, and that could mean a very different look for the Green Wave by the time bowl season rolls around.
This matchup would pit TCU against a team that’s been one of the Group of Five’s most consistent programs in recent years. It’s the kind of opponent that could give the Frogs a chance to showcase their speed and depth against a well-coached, disciplined team - though Tulane’s roster could be in flux depending on how players respond to the coaching change.
Texas Bowl vs. North Texas OR Liberty Bowl vs. California (ESPN Projections)
ESPN’s Mark Schlabach has TCU heading to Houston for a Texas Bowl showdown with North Texas on December 27 at NRG Stadium. On paper, it’s a regional matchup with some history - the two programs haven’t met since 2002 - but it comes with some caveats. North Texas would be coming off a loss in the AAC Championship Game in this scenario, and with head coach Eric Morris already accepting the Oklahoma State job, the Mean Green could be dealing with opt-outs and internal transition.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura sees TCU facing Cal in the Liberty Bowl. That matchup might be a little more appealing for Horned Frogs fans, especially after the Golden Bears pulled off a 38-35 upset over SMU to knock the Mustangs out of ACC title contention. Cal has a rising star at quarterback in freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, and his playmaking ability could make for a fun chess match against TCU’s defense.
Guaranteed Rate Bowl vs. Northwestern (Athlon Sports Projection)
Athlon Sports projects a trip to Phoenix for the Guaranteed Rate Bowl on December 26, with TCU taking on Northwestern. The location is solid - Chase Field is a unique setting - but the matchup might not move the needle much for the Horned Frogs faithful. Northwestern finished the regular season at 6-6, and while they’ve shown flashes this season, it’s not a matchup that screams high-stakes drama.
Still, bowl games are often about finishing strong and building momentum into the offseason, and facing a Big Ten opponent always carries some weight. If nothing else, it’s a chance for TCU to flex against a Power Five team in a nationally televised setting.
Other Bowls to Watch
Don’t count out the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on December 27. The bowl has had representatives at several TCU games this season and reportedly views the Horned Frogs as an appealing brand. With tie-ins to both the ACC and Big 12, it’s a plausible destination - and would certainly be a welcome one for fans looking for a more high-profile postseason stage.
Lower-tier projections include the Independence Bowl in Shreveport on December 30 and the Armed Forces Bowl at TCU’s own Amon G. Carter Stadium on January 2.
While both are technically in play, neither carries the same appeal as the other options. The Armed Forces Bowl would be a home game in name only, and the Independence Bowl hasn’t historically drawn much buzz.
What TCU Needs to Root For
There’s still some scoreboard watching to be done. If BYU and Texas Tech can punch above their weight and sneak into the playoff picture or higher-tier bowls, it opens up more desirable slots for teams like TCU. The better the Big 12 performs as a whole, the better the odds that the Horned Frogs land in a bowl that reflects their strong finish.
At 8-4, TCU has done its part down the stretch. Now it’s about waiting, watching, and hoping the chips fall in the right direction. One thing’s for sure - after a season of ups and downs, the Horned Frogs are heading into bowl season with some real momentum.