By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: The Los Angeles Times
TCU Horned Frogs running back Jeremy Payne had the signature game of his collegiate career. Payne scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime to lift TCU, 30-27, over USC Trojans to win the Valero Alamo Bowl.
It is one of the best games of the bowl season. The Trojans and Horned Frogs gave it all they got on the field. Many freshman players stepped up in this game. One of the best plays of the night was when Trojan wide receiver Jaden Richardson made a one-handed catch for a 21-yard touchdown.
The Trojans had some opportunities to score more points. For example, USC threw an interception in the end zone late in the second quarter. The Trojans could’ve gone for the touchdown in overtime, but they settled for the field goal.
Trojans quarterback Joseph Maiava finished the game going 18-for-30 with 280 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Running back King Miller ran for 99 yards on 25 carries with a touchdown.
TCU’s quarterback Ken Seals completed 29-for-40 with 258 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Aside from scoring the game-winning touchdown, Payne finished with 73 rushing yards on 13 carries. He also had a receiving touchdown for 50 yards and six receptions. Wide receiver Eric McAllister added eight receptions and 69 receiving yards.
TCU had 10 penalties. USC had more total yards than TCU (392 to 375). The Horned Frogs converted 8 of 15 third-down plays. The Trojans went 5 of 12 on third-down plays.
Horned Frogs and Trojans finished the season with a 9-4 record. It’s a heartbreaking loss for the Trojans, but this loss should fuel them for next season. Overall, both teams had a great season. Those who attended this game at Alamodome in San Antonio got their money’s worth.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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