Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CFB Picks, CFB Free Picks, CFB Predictions 12/30/25
- rbowe7447
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
2025 VALERO ALAMO BOWL
USC vs. TCU (USC -5.5, 56.5)
In addition to missing out on the College Football Playoffs, Southern California, ranked 16th, had several important players withdraw from Tuesday's Alamo Bowl game versus TCU in San Antonio. However, Lincoln Riley, the coach, believes that working with younger players ahead of the upcoming season is one of the main advantages of bowl season.
Riley told reporters earlier this month, "I think there'll be some guys that get some burn in this game that maybe haven't played at all or very, very little. To be honest, the games are fantastic, especially the bowl game, and they're wonderful experiences."
The Trojans' (9-3) pass catchers might be the best illustration of that. Tight end Lake McRee is also not anticipated to play in the Alamo Bowl, and wide receivers Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane are opting out to concentrate on getting ready for the NFL draft. Together, the three top receivers for USC amassed over 2,300 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Tanook Hines, a freshman receiver who will play in his home state and caught 28 passes for 398 yards and two touchdowns this season, will have more opportunities as a result. USC QB Jayden Maiava will continue to lead Hines and his teammates (3,431 yards, 23 touchdowns, 8 interceptions).
Despite winning four of its last five games and remaining in the CFP mix late in the season, USC's 42-27 loss to Oregon on November 22 effectively eliminated the Trojans from the running.
TCU (8-4) will have a home-state advantage in this, USC's first-ever trip to the Alamo Bowl. Under former coach Gary Patterson, the Horned Frogs won the Alamo Bowl in 2015 and 2017. Sonny Dykes, who has led TCU to its third eight-win season in four years, is currently in command. He talked extensively about wanting his guys to enjoy every game, whether it's the Alamo Bowl, the regular season, or the national championship game. TCU ended the season with upsets of then-No. 23 Houston and Cincinnati.
TCU's starting quarterback Josh Hoover will hit the transfer portal and miss the Alamo Bowl. Ken Seals, a former Vanderbilt starter who has spent the last two seasons as TCU's backup, will start in his place.
"Ken started 22 games in the SEC," According to Dykes. "He's been an excellent practice player and teammate. He will now get the opportunity to take the stage and perform."
There aren't many other opt-outs or transfers at TCU. Safety Jamel Johnson will play after recording 89 tackles and 4 interceptions.
FREE PICK: TCU (1H) +3
With so many opt-outs for USC, expect their offense to be a little sluggish early. Riley will have to figure out what he can and can't do. I would imagine he leans on RB King Miller, who finished the season with three 100+ yard rushing games in his last five. The same goes for TCU with Seals at QB. The Horned Frogs have covered +3 in the first half in 7 of their last 10 games (7-2-1 1H ATS). USC has failed to cover -3 in the first half in 5 of their last 6 games.
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