Texas A&m Aggies vs Usc Trojans Picks and Predictions December 27th 2024

Midseason QB Changes Take Center Stage as USC Faces Texas A&M in Las Vegas Bowl

The Las Vegas Bowl will see two storied programs, USC and Texas A&M, square off for just the fourth time in history and the first time since 1977. Both teams come into Friday’s matchup in contrasting situations but with a shared goal of ending the season on a high note.

Game Overview

USC’s Challenges and QB Transition

USC (6-6) is looking to avoid its third losing season in six years. The Trojans turned to quarterback Jayden Maiava after struggling in the first nine games under Miller Moss, who threw 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Maiava has injected new energy into the team, leading back-to-back wins against Nebraska and UCLA in November before falling to Notre Dame.

Despite his potential, Maiava has faced growing pains, with three interceptions returned for touchdowns in his past three games. However, he brings a dual-threat capability, accounting for seven passing touchdowns and three rushing scores in that span.

The Trojans’ challenge will be compounded by significant roster changes. Key players, including wide receivers Duce Robinson, Kyron Hudson, and Zachariah Branch, as well as running back Quinten Joyner, have entered the transfer portal. Starting running back Woody Marks has also opted out of the game.

Texas A&M’s Stability and a New Era Under Elko

Texas A&M (8-4) has experienced a relatively stable roster situation heading into the bowl game. Outside of wide receiver Cyrus Allen entering the transfer portal, most of the Aggies’ key contributors remain intact.

First-year coach Mike Elko guided the Aggies to a promising 7-1 start, but the team stumbled with a 1-3 finish in November. Losses to Auburn in quadruple overtime and rival Texas derailed a potential College Football Playoff berth, leaving Texas A&M to regroup for the postseason.

Quarterback Marcel Reed has taken full control of the offense after splitting snaps early in the season with Conner Weigman. Reed has shown growth, throwing for 1,572 yards and 12 touchdowns while rushing for 501 yards and six scores.

Key Matchups

USC Offense vs. Texas A&M Defense

The Trojans’ reshuffled lineup will heavily rely on Maiava’s leadership and his ability to avoid costly turnovers. However, the Aggies’ defense, even without standout linebacker Danny Stutsman and safety Billy Bowman Jr., remains formidable.

With USC’s top wide receivers out, unproven talent will need to step up against a Texas A&M secondary eager to capitalize on mistakes.

Texas A&M’s Balanced Attack

The Aggies’ offensive versatility, led by Reed, poses a significant challenge for a USC defense that has struggled with consistency. Reed’s dual-threat ability could exploit the Trojans’ weaknesses, especially with his connection to a mostly intact receiving corps.

What’s at Stake

USC: Avoiding a Losing Season

A win would prevent USC from recording its third losing season since 2018. For quarterback Jayden Maiava, this game also serves as a platform to solidify his role as the Trojans’ leader heading into 2025.

Texas A&M: Ending on a High Note

For the Aggies, a win over a high-profile opponent like USC would cap a rollercoaster season with positivity and momentum under Mike Elko’s leadership. It would also mark their first-ever win over the Trojans.

Prediction

Both teams bring intriguing storylines into this bowl game. Texas A&M’s relative stability and dual-threat quarterback in Marcel Reed provide a slight edge over a USC squad grappling with roster turnover and an evolving offense under Maiava.

Final Score Prediction: Texas A&M 31, USC 24