By Stephen Vilardo, SuperWest Sports activities
A few weeks in the past, when writing in regards to the LA Bowl, I discussed that bowls can take many various types now, given the quite a few variables surrounding school soccer in the meanwhile.
At the moment, I discussed that I preferred the short bowl season opener for the Huskies, and it appeared like a stepping stone for subsequent season. UW proved me proper as they took care of issues in opposition to Boise State.
I really feel just like the Alamo Bowl might be the identical sort of factor for the Trojans to set the desk forward of spring observe and finally a 2026 season that would provide a ton of promise.
I preview the matchup between the Trojans and Horned Frogs right here and provides my picks straight-up, in opposition to the unfold, and over/beneath.
No. 16 USC Trojans vs TCU Horned Frogs
Tuesday, December 30
6:00 PM PT, ESPN
Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
Bob Wischusen, Louis Riddick and Paul Carcaterra
Line: USC -6.5
Over/Underneath Whole: 55.5
The high-powered passing assault for USC can be with out Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, who’re opting out of the sport.
Whereas that’s clearly a blow to the USC offense, it additionally gives a possibility—and one that would serve the Trojans properly transferring ahead.
Jayden Maiava will nonetheless be behind heart, and it will give him a observe interval and recreation to get extra reps with gamers who ought to be the go-to guys in 2026.
Most notably, Tanook Hines, who grew up in Houston, is nearly 4 hours to the east of San Antonio.
The freshman caught 28 passes this season however ought to see a a lot bigger position on this one, and I believe he might be poised for a breakout efficiency within the Alamo Bowl.
TCU was 108th in opposition to the cross this season and the Trojans ought to give you the option shred the Frogs by way of the air. Search for Hines to do the majority of that and provides us a preview of the Trojans 2026 assault.
On offense, TCU may also sling it across the discipline however will want to take action within the Alamo Bowl with out Josh Hoover. The nation’s fourth-leading passer this season has entered the portal and the QB spot will fall to Ken Seals.
Seals is a senior who tried simply six passes this season, finishing 4 of them. He does have expertise and was the starter for Vanderbilt earlier than transferring to Fort Price after the 2023 season.
Search for D’Anton Lynn’s protection to crank up the warmth in opposition to him.
I believe we might see a number of factors on the board, however the Trojans ought to draw back a bit in the long run and have a powerful exhibiting to hold momentum into subsequent season.
Outright Winner: USC
Towards the Unfold: USC
Over/Underneath: Over
writes about varied subjects for SuperWest sports activities, together with stats and information, school sports activities, and motorsports. He additionally based and runs the Sports activities and Leisure Analysis Middle (SERC).
