PREVIEW and PREDICTIONS: USC vs. Texas A&M in the 2024 SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl

Game Details:

Matchup: Texas A&M Aggies (8-4) vs. USC Trojans (6-6)

Date: Friday, December 27, 2024

Time: 7:30 PM PST

Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada

Broadcast: ESPN

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck | Reporter: Jake Twining

PREVIEW

The 2024 College Football Bowl Season continues with an exciting showdown in Las Vegas as the Texas A&M Aggies take on the USC Trojans. Both programs have faced significant roster turnover since the regular season ended 3 weeks ago, with several key players entering the transfer portal.

USC has lost standout talents such as Duce Robinson (committed to Florida State), Quinten Joyner (Texas Tech), Zachariah Branch, Zion Branch, Kyron Hudson, and former quarterback Miller Moss, among others. Similarly, Texas A&M has seen departures like Hunter Erb, Samu Taumanupepe, Josh Celiscar, Jaden Platt, and former starting quarterback Conner Weigman.

This year’s Las Vegas Bowl features a matchup between two storied programs: USC, now part of the Big Ten, and Texas A&M from the SEC. It marks the first meeting between the teams since December 31, 1977, when USC claimed a 47-28 victory. USC leads the all-time series 4-0 and will look to maintain their perfect record against the Aggies.

USC TROJANS (6-6)

The Trojans enter the bowl game following a tough loss to rival Notre Dame on November 30 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in the Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh. USC fell 49-35, but quarterback Jayden Maiava had a strong showing, completing 27 of 49 passes for 360 yards and three touchdowns.

USC’s offense will rely heavily on Makai Lemon, who recorded nine receptions for 133 yards against Notre Dame and is poised to step up as the team’s top wide receiver with the departures of Branch, Robinson, and Hudson. Other key contributors include Kyle Ford (3 receptions, 41 yards) and Ja’Kobi Lane, who caught all three of Maiava’s touchdown passes in their last outing.

On the ground, running back Woody Marks could play a significant role despite being limited to just six carries for 33 yards in the season finale.

Defensively, USC is led by Jaylin Smith (6 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss) and John Humphrey, who recorded an interception against Notre Dame. Head coach Lincoln Riley will look to cap off a challenging season on a high note as the Trojans prepare for a pivotal offseason.

TEXAS A&M AGGIES (8-4)

The Aggies come into the Las Vegas Bowl following a narrow 17-7 loss to their archrival, the Texas Longhorns, in their season finale. Quarterback Marcel Reed completed 16 of 23 passes for 146 yards and added 60 rushing yards on 14 carries.

Texas A&M’s offense will look to wide receiver Terry Bussey, who led the team with 2 catches for 40 yards in their last game. On defense, the Aggies boast playmakers like Dalton Brooks (9 solo tackles), Taurean York (5 solo tackles, 1 sack, 3.5 tackles for loss), and Will Lee III, who scored a pivotal 93-yard pick-six against Texas.

Head coach Mike Elko and the Aggies are eager to make history with their first-ever victory over USC and build momentum heading into the 2025 season.

PREDICTIONS

JP’s Prediction:

USC pulls off an upset thriller in the same place they started the season, defeating Texas A&M 31-24 to remain unbeaten in the series.

Jake’s Prediction: 

USC ends the season how they started, narrowly escaping a competitive SEC squad in Vegas, 38-35