Bowl Season Roundup: SMU, TCU, and UTSA Cleanup with Postseason Victories

While the playoff spotlight was on Tech, A&M, and Texas, three other programs from the Lone Star State handled business in their respective bowl games, ensuring a winning postseason record for Texas schools.

SMU 24, Arizona 19 (Holiday Bowl)

SAN DIEGO – The SMU Mustangs (9-4) capped off their ACC debut season with a gritty 24-19 victory over Arizona in the DirecTV Holiday Bowl.

Running back T.J. Harden was the workhorse, rushing for 112 yards and two touchdowns. The Mustangs jumped out to a 17-3 halftime lead and held off a late Wildcats rally. The defense forced three turnovers, including a game-sealing interception in the end zone as time expired.

The win gives Rhett Lashlee momentum heading into the offseason as SMU continues to assert itself as a contender in the ACC.

TCU 30, USC 27 (OT) (Alamo Bowl)

SAN ANTONIO – In a revival of old rivalries, TCU (9-4) outlasted USC in a thriller at the Valero Alamo Bowl.

The game went to overtime knotted at 24-24. After holding USC to a field goal on their opening possession, the Horned Frogs wasted no time. Running back Jeremy Payne burst through the line for a 12-yard touchdown on the second play of TCU's possession, sending the purple-clad crowd into a frenzy.

"This team never quit," Sonny Dykes said. "To finish with 9 wins after the start we had is a testament to the culture in this locker room."

UTSA 57, FIU 20 (First Responder Bowl)

DALLAS – The UTSA Roadrunners (7-6) saved their best offensive performance for last, obliterating FIU 57-20 in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl.

It was a "Meep Meep" dominance from start to finish. Quarterback Owen McCown threw for 340 yards and 5 touchdowns in just three quarters of play. The Roadrunners scored 31 points in the second quarter alone to put the game away early.

The victory secures a winning season for Jeff Traylor's squad, extending their streak of finishing .500 or better to six consecutive seasons.