Las Vegas—The Texas A&M Aggies faced off against the USC Trojans on Friday night at Allegiant Stadium, aiming to cap off their season with a victory. Despite holding a commanding 17-point lead late in the game, the Aggies experienced a heart-wrenching 35-31 defeat.
The clash, part of the Las Vegas Bowl, saw A&M (8-5) gain momentum early, led by redshirt freshman quarterback Marcel Reed, who completed 26 of 42 passes for 292 yards, with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Mentioning his numerous targets, he found Noah Thomas for the game’s first touchdown, establishing Texas A&M’s 7-0 lead.
For USC (7-6), it was the start of what would become a rollercoaster of emotions, as they initially struggled to capitalize on the Aggies’ turnovers. Reed’s missteps would prove costly, with multiple interceptions giving the Trojans opportunities they would not squander indefinitely.
USC finally responded, tying the game at 7-7 on Ja'Kobi Lane's touchdown reception. The first half ended tied, following a missed field goal attempt from the Trojans, leaving fans anxious for the second half.
Then came the turning point: the Aggies struck out with 17 consecutive points to race to a 24-7 lead. Reed rediscovered his form, connecting with Thomas once again and later aided by Reuben Owens, who rushed for six points. Texas A&M seemed to be well on their way to solidifying their victory.
But as the saying goes, no lead is safe—especially against a formidable opponent like USC. The Trojans, buoyed by their resilient spirit and deep roster, began to rally. They steadily chipped away at the deficit, starting with touchdown receptions from Lane, who shined bright with three catches for 127 yards and three TDs throughout the game.
Just when the Aggies appeared to regain some control, pushing back with Reed’s remarkable 19-yard touchdown run, the Trojans seized the moment. Quarterback Jayden Maiva, who finished the game with 295 passing yards, orchestrated the final dramatic drive. With just eight seconds remaining, Maiva found tight end Kyle Ford for the game-winner, pushing the Trojans to the front at 35-31.
Reflecting on the victory, Lane expressed his joy, saying, "At the end of the day we all realized what we came to do in Vegas, and that's come out with a win. And I think we’re all happy with it, and it’s time to go home and enjoy a little bit of Christmas time we missed." This sentiment rang hollow for the Aggies, who now head to the offseason riding out the sting of missed opportunities.
The game certainly revealed key areas for Texas A&M to address moving forward under first-year head coach Mike Elko. The Aggies have now concluded their season on a three-game losing streak, reflecting the challenges they faced throughout these high-pressure matchups.
While the Aggies showed flashes of brilliance, the issues with discipline—evidenced by unlucky penalties—could not be ignored. They allowed the Trojans to exploit their mistakes, culminating in the loss. Looking at the numbers, A&M recorded over 400 yards of total offense; yet, inconsistency during pivotal moments will remain their downfall until they can solidify their approach.
Heading out of the Las Vegas Bowl, both teams face a transitional period. The Aggies must refocus and regroup, setting their ambitions on contending for the SEC Championship next season. For USC, the victory not only bolsters momentum going forward but also serves as proof of their tenacity as they rally behind their determined roster.
The Las Vegas Bowl served as much more than just another game—it was about growth, resilience, and hard lessons learned for both teams. Fans will look forward to what next season has to bring, hoping for changes as the teams attempt to capitalize on this season's experiences.
