Alamo Bowl Thriller: TCU Outlasts USC in Overtime Classic
In a game that had just about everything - momentum swings, late-game heroics, and a walk-off finish - TCU edged USC 30-27 in overtime Tuesday night at the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio. For the Horned Frogs, it was a statement win to cap off an up-and-down season under Sonny Dykes. For USC, it was a tough pill to swallow in a game that slipped through their fingers after holding a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter.
Let’s break down how this one unfolded - and why it may be remembered for more than just the final score.
Overtime Grit and a Late Surge from TCU
TCU came out swinging in the first half, putting together back-to-back touchdown drives in the second quarter to grab a 14-13 lead at halftime. Their defense bent but didn’t break, limiting USC to a pair of field goals and picking off quarterback Jayden Maiava once. At that point, the Frogs looked composed and opportunistic.
But the second half told a different story - at least for a while. Mistakes started piling up for TCU.
A turnover, costly penalties, and inconsistent quarterback play from Ken Seals, who’s still finding his footing after limited reps in Fort Worth, gave USC a window to take over. And the Trojans took it.
Maiava, despite missing his top two receivers who opted out, started to find a rhythm with a new group of targets. His confidence grew as the game wore on, and USC capitalized, building a 24-14 lead early in the fourth quarter.
That’s when TCU flipped the switch.
Down 10 with time slipping away, the Horned Frogs mounted two clutch drives. First came an 11-play, 75-yard march capped by a Jeremy Payne touchdown. Then, a 13-play, 59-yard drive ended with a game-tying field goal as time expired, sending the Alamo Bowl into overtime.
In the extra frame, USC had a golden opportunity - first and goal from the two-yard line. But TCU’s defense stood tall, forcing a field goal.
On the Frogs’ possession, things got dicey. A third-down catch by Joseph Manjack was overturned, setting up a daunting 3rd and 20.
But Jeremy Payne wasn’t done. The freshman running back took it to the house for a walk-off touchdown, sealing an emotional 30-27 win.
Bud Clark: The Heart of TCU’s Defense
While the game itself delivered drama, it was Bud Clark’s presence that quietly told one of the night’s most compelling stories.
Clark, a longtime staple in the TCU secondary, has been everything you want in a college football player. In an era where transfers and opt-outs dominate headlines, Clark stayed loyal to the program that developed him. From redshirting to becoming an All-Big 12 talent and team captain, he’s been a steady force in Fort Worth.
And Tuesday night, he showed exactly why he’ll be missed.
Clark had two critical pass breakups before halftime that directly saved points - the kind of plays that don’t always make the highlight reel but shift the momentum of a game. His instincts, athleticism, and leadership were on full display. He wasn’t out there protecting draft stock; he was playing for his team.
In a sport increasingly shaped by business decisions, Clark reminded us what college football used to be - and still can be. Whether or not Tuesday’s performance boosts his NFL draft stock, it added another chapter to a career that’s been defined by toughness and loyalty.
Jeremy Payne: The Future of the TCU Backfield Has Arrived
If you hadn’t heard of Jeremy Payne before Tuesday night, you’re not alone. But after his performance in San Antonio, you won’t forget the name anytime soon.
With Kevorian Barnes battling injuries and inconsistency, Payne stepped into the spotlight - and ran with it. Literally.
He finished the night with 13 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown, plus six catches for 50 yards, including the game-winning score. But this wasn’t a one-night breakout.
TCU fans have seen this coming. Payne closed the regular season with back-to-back 100-yard games, including a 174-yard, two-touchdown performance against Cincinnati.
A former four-star recruit from the Class of 2024, Payne has flashed all the tools - vision, burst, hands out of the backfield - that make you believe he’s the next big thing for the Horned Frogs. And on a national stage, with the game on the line, he delivered.
In today’s college football landscape, where individual performances can translate directly into NIL opportunities and draft buzz, Payne may have just put himself on a bigger radar. But more importantly, he gave TCU fans a glimpse of what the offense could look like in 2026 and beyond.
Final Thoughts
This Alamo Bowl had everything you want in a postseason game: drama, resilience, breakout stars, and a finish that left fans breathless. TCU’s win pushed the Big 12 to 3-0 in bowl games, but more than that, it was a showcase of what makes college football special.
A veteran like Bud Clark choosing to suit up one more time. A young star like Jeremy Payne seizing his moment. A team digging deep in the final minutes, refusing to fold.
That’s the kind of football worth watching - and remembering.