LAS VEGAS (AP) — The USC Trojans pulled off a thrilling comeback victory over the Texas A&M Aggies, winning 35-31 in the Las Vegas Bowl on Sunday night at Allegiant Stadium. Jayden Maiva, the Trojans' quarterback, threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kyle Ford with just eight seconds remaining, sealing the game for Southern California.
Maiva, who is originally from the nearby Liberty High School and transferred from UNLV, played a pivotal role, helping the Trojans overcome what looked like a sure defeat. The game took place amid high hopes and expectations, as both teams entered the bowl with diminished rosters, the result of departures to the transfer portal, the NFL Draft, and injuries.
The Aggies jumped to a quick lead, scoring on their opening drive to go up 7-0. Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed had his team poised for potential success but the first half proved to be fraught with challenges. A pair of interceptions and missed opportunities left the teams tied at 7-7 heading to halftime.
Things turned dramatic after the break. Texas A&M seized momentum, scoring 17 unanswered points and establishing a formidable 24-7 lead. Reed, completing 26 of 42 passes for 292 yards, demonstrated impressive resilience and leadership on the field. He also showcased his running skills, scrambling for 46 yards on nine attempts.
But USC wasn't going down without a fight. With their backs against the wall, Maiva orchestrated the Trojans’ response. Completing 22 of 39 passes for 295 yards, with four touchdowns, he cleverly navigated the pressure. His determination helped shift the game back, allowing the Trojans to take the lead 28-24 with just over four minutes to play.
Despite this, the fate of the game wavered as Reed rallied Texas A&M once more, racing 19 yards for another touchdown with 1:49 on the clock. With emotions running high and tension palpable, it seemed the Aggies had regained control. But the Trojans were not ready to surrender.
With less than two minutes remaining, Maiva went to work. He led his team down the field with poise, executing precise throws and making key plays when it mattered most. The drive culminated with the decisive touchdown pass to Ford, electrifying the Trojans' supporters who had made the trip to Las Vegas.
Reflecting on the pivotal victory, receiver Ja'Kobi Lane expressed the sentiments of the team. "At the end of the day we all realized what we came to do in Vegas, and that's come out with a win," he said, acknowledging the emotional stakes involved.
This victory brought the Trojans’ season total to 7-6, whereas the Aggies ended theirs at 8-5, marking their fourth consecutive loss to Power Conference opponents. Following mixed seasons filled with promise and disappointment, both squads now look to the future for improvements.
While the game certainly had its share of mistakes, including penalties from Texas A&M, it concluded with some heart-pounding moments and showcased the spirit of college football’s bowl season. The USC Trojans' thrilling comeback not only handed them victory, rich with personal significance for the players, but also set the tone for their upcoming offseason recovery and training.
Fans will undoubtedly carry the energy from this game forward, with both teams hoping to build upon their challenging seasons. For now, the Las Vegas Bowl has added another chapter to the lore of college football, reminding everyone of the unpredictability inherent to the sport.
Overall, the matchup not only served as entertainment for the masses but also as preparation for next year's aspirations, as both teams must now regroup and strategize for the challenges lying ahead.
