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USC vs TCU Betting Tips – Trojans To Down Horned Frogs In Alamo Bowl

leigh-copson
Editor
Last updated: Wed 17 Dec 2025 12:37
The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the upcoming Alamo Bowl matchup between USC and TCU. USC, finishing the regular season at 9-3, is favored to win based on their recent performance and the expected impact of quarterback Jayden Maiava. TCU leads the all-time series but enters the game with an 8-4 record. Despite their historical edge, TCU faces challenges due to subpar road performances. Ultimately, USC's strong offense, particularly with Maiava, is anticipated to cover the spread and secure their 10th win this season.
Leigh Copson 17 Dec 2025
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  • USC is favoured to win the Alamo Bowl against TCU
  • Jayden Maiava's return for 2026 boosts USC's offense
  • TCU leads the overall series but struggles on the road
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USC are tipped to cover the spread as they win the Alamo Bowl.

Jayden Maiava is set to start after confirming he will return in 2026, and with the talented quarterback at the controls the Trojans are likely to have too much firepower for TCU.

Key Numbers – Can USC Make It 6 Wins In 8?

  • USC have won 5 of their last 7 games
  • TCU failed to cover in 4 of their 5 regular season road games
  • The Under has cashed in 5 of USC’s last 7 games
  • The Under has hit in 3 of TCU’s previous 5 games

TCU Lead All-Time Head-To-Head; Won Last Meeting

  • TCU lead the all-time series 3-2
  • TCU won 28-19 when the two teams last met in December 1998

USC Finished Regular Season With 9-3 Record

USC missed out on the Big Ten Championship game as they lost twice in conference play on their way to a 9-3 overall record.

The Trojans opened with a couple of non-conference wins, and then kicked off their Big Ten slate by beating Purdue 33-17 and Michigan State 45-31.

Their perfect start was ended by a 34-32 loss at Illinois, and they then failed to build on a 31-13 upset of Michigan as they lost a non-conference matchup with Notre Dame, 34-24.

USC rebounded as they returned to Big Ten duty by backing up a 21-17 success at Nebraska with home wins over Northwestern, 38-17, and Iowa, 26-21.

The Trojans failed to make it four-in-a-row though, losing 42-27 at Oregon, before closing out the regular season with a 29-10 victory against UCLA.

TCU Put Together 8-4 Regular Season Record

TCU wrapped up the regular season with back-to-back victories to finish with an 8-4 record.

The Horned Frogs opened with three non-conference wins, including a 48-14 demolition of North Carolina that wrecked Bill Belichick’s debut.

They stumbled early in their Big 12 schedule though, as they sandwiched a 35-21 home win against Colorado with road defeats to Arizona State, 27-24, and Kansas State, 41-28.

TCU rallied by beating Baylor 42-36 at home and West Virginia 23-17 on the road, only to then drop back-to-back games as they fell 20-17 to Iowa State and 44-13 at BYU.

The Horned Frogs did bounce back over their final couple of games though, as they upset Houston 17-14 on the road before returning home to beat Cincinnati 45-23.

Verdict

USC’s offense offers more reasons for optimism, especially with Jayden Maiava at the controls.

We are backing the Trojans to cover the spread as they win the Alamo Bowl and complete a 10-win season.

Best Bet1: USC -5.5 Spread @9/10 at Hollywood bets - 4 Units
Best Bet2: Under 58.5 Total Points @9/10 at bet365 - 2 Units
USC -5.5
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Alamo Bowl - USC v TCU