The No. 16 USC Trojans are gearing up to face the TCU Horned Frogs on December 29, 2023, in the Alamo Bowl, held at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. With a record of 9-3, USC aims to leverage this postseason opportunity, particularly for its younger athletes, as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Offensive lineman Tobias Raymond has been a pivotal player this season, demonstrating versatility by playing in multiple positions across the offensive line. Reflecting on his experience in last year’s Las Vegas Bowl against Texas A&M, Raymond expressed enthusiasm about the significance of bowl games. “A first start is awesome, but having it be in a bowl game is pretty cool,” he stated during a press conference. “It’s awesome to take home that jersey and have something super memorable with you.”
Despite not making the College Football Playoff, the Trojans are approaching the Alamo Bowl with a positive mindset. Defensive end Braylon Shelby emphasized the importance of this game, stating, “This bowl game is a big factor playing into the next season. We want to go out there, have a blast, play some good ball at the end of the day, and transition that over to the next season.”
Challenges for TCU
For TCU, which holds an 8-4 record, the game presents significant challenges. Quarterback Josh Hoover has announced his entry into the transfer portal, resulting in the Horned Frogs starting fifth-year senior Ken Seals. Seals, who previously played at Vanderbilt, has served as the backup for the past two seasons and has completed 14 of 19 passes for 121 yards, including one touchdown and one interception.
TCU’s offensive strategy will heavily rely on Eric McAllister, a first-team All-Big 12 selection, who has accumulated 1,121 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns during the regular season. This matchup poses a unique challenge for USC’s defense, which is expected to look different due to key player absences. Safety Kamari Ramsey has opted out of the game to prepare for the NFL Draft, while All-American Bishop Fitzgerald is dealing with an injury that may sideline him. Additionally, linebacker Eric Gentry has also chosen to opt out.
In light of these changes, defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn is optimistic about players like Jide Abasiri. “Jide is one of our more versatile guys we have up front,” Lynn noted, highlighting Abasiri’s ability to play multiple roles on the defense.
USC’s Offense and Key Players
Historically, USC boasts a strong postseason record, standing at 36-20, with a bowl winning percentage of .643, tied for sixth in the nation. As the Trojans prepare to take on TCU, they are favored to extend that record. Quarterback Jayden Maiava, who has opted to return for next season instead of entering the NFL Draft, will be crucial in leading the team.
However, the Trojans will face challenges as star receivers Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane have declared for the draft and will not participate. This leaves true freshman Tanook Hines as the only receiver with significant experience on the field. Furthermore, the team will need to adjust at tight end, as Lake McRee has also opted out, and Walker Lyons is set to enter the transfer portal.
To compensate for these losses, running back King Miller will likely shoulder a heavier load. Throughout the regular season, he has demonstrated reliability with 749 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 114 carries. On the defensive side, All-Big 12 first-team linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr leads the team with 119 total tackles, showcasing his importance in maintaining a strong defensive presence against TCU.
As the Alamo Bowl approaches, both teams are preparing for what promises to be an exciting matchup. With kickoff set for 6 p.m. PT on December 29, fans will be watching closely to see how these young athletes capitalize on this opportunity and what it means for their futures in college football.
