LAS VEGAS – The USC Trojans concluded their 2024 season with a dramatic finish, defeating the Texas A&M Aggies 35-31 in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Friday night. The game, held at the Allegiant Stadium, marked another chapter in the storied history of college football, showcasing resilience and thrilling plays from both teams.
USC’s comeback was fueled by quarterback Jayden Maiava, who had fallen short earlier but rose to the occasion when it mattered most, completing 22 of 39 passes for 295 yards and four touchdowns against three interceptions. After trailing by 17 points entering the second half, Maiava’s leadership brought the Trojans back to life. “At the end of the day, we all realized what we came to do in Vegas, and that's come out with a win,” stated receiver Ja’Kobi Lane, who caught three touchdowns during the contest.
The game kicked off at 9:30 p.m. CT and began with Texas A&M demonstrating offensive strength. Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed efficiently led the charge, connecting with tight end Noah Thomas for the game's opening touchdown. A defensive tackle from Taurean York set the tone early, forcing USC to quickly kick the ball back to A&M after just three plays.
A series of strong plays, including Reed orchestrated an impressive 17-play drive, allowing A&M to score the game’s first touchdown and putting them up 7-0. Despite A&M’s early success, the Trojans eventually found their footing late in the second quarter. On the heels of interceptions and tight defensive plays, Maiava connected with Lane for USC’s first touchdown, bringing the score to 7-7 as the teams headed to halftime.
The third quarter saw A&M stretch their lead to 24-7, capitalizing on USC's mistakes and defensive issues. Reed threw for two more touchdowns, one to Thomas and another to Jabre Barber, marking A&M's offensive prowess. The Aggies' momentum was bolstered by costly penalties on the Trojans, allowing them to maintain their lead.
Nonetheless, the tide began to shift as the fourth quarter arrived. Maiava rallied his team, guided them through successful drives, and delivered strikes to Lane and Bryan Jackson, narrowing the gap. With the Aggies appearing on the way to victory, USC mounted another offensive push late. They responded to A&M’s 31-28 lead with just 1:44 left on the clock, needing a miracle.
With only seconds remaining, Maiava orchestrated what would go down as the game’s defining moment. He connected with Kyle Ford for the game-winning touchdown, ensuring USC completed its comeback and ended the season with a winning note. “It’s amazing to end the season like this, especially after everything we have gone through,” said Maiava.
For Texas A&M, the disappointment was palpable. Despite leading the game for most of the time, head coach Mike Elko lamented, “We don’t understand how to play zone coverage, which is mind-blowing to me... We can’t cover the forward pass well enough to be a good football team.” Penalties plagued A&M, particularly during the pivotal second half, contributing to their inability to secure the win.
An unsung hero for the Aggies, Noah Thomas, showcased grit by scoring two touchdowns, providing Reed with reliable targets during the game. Meanwhile, the Trojans also had their share of standout performers, including running back Bryan Jackson, who rushed for 66 yards and scored, coming through for the team at the right moment.
The matchup showcased the heart of college football, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. With both teams facing changes coming off this game, including transfers and opt-outs for USC, coach Lincoln Riley now faces the challenge of rebuilding. The victory gives the Trojans momentum heading forward. “We’ve fought through so much this season, and this win shows how hard we can work as a team,” added Lane after the game.
With the Aggies finishing their season at 8-5, there will be reflections on missed opportunities and strategies as they prepare for the next season. For now, both teams embrace the lessons learned and the thrilling moments captured under the bright lights of Las Vegas.
