Las Vegas (AP) Although Southern California’s victory over LSU in the season opener at Allegiant Stadium put the Trojans in early position for the College Football Playoffs, they will finish the season where they began.
With three losses in their last four games, Texas A&M’s prospects of earning a postseason berth were dashed, and the Aggies continued to play the season.
This Friday night’s Las Vegas Bowl matchup between the two teams is not what either team had in mind, but it is an opportunity for both to end the season well.
Lincoln Riley, the coach at USC, stated that we are all still competitors at heart. You should take advantage of any opportunity to play in a competitive program, such as when we face a top-tier squad.
The 6-6 Trojans will want to avoid their first losing year since 2021, when they finished 4-8 and lost coach Clay Helton. After taking over the program, Riley went 11-3 right away and finished the previous season with an 8-5 record.
After defeating then-No. 13 LSU 27–20 to start the season, USC looked to be headed back to prominence. However, the Trojans are back in Las Vegas and may not be getting ready for a postseason game because they lost five games in which they led in the fourth quarter.
Regarding the lessons learnt from the near misses, USC safety Bryson Shaw stated that you simply need to be constant throughout and focus on the little details. This year, we learned a lot. In terms of bowl preparation, it has been fantastic for us.
When it appeared like the Aggies might perhaps be contending for a national championship, Texas A&M (8-4) was also fresh off a victory over LSU. After the 38-23 win, they were 7-1 and the only team in the SEC with a perfect record at 5-0.
The season-ending collapse, however, followed.
Taurean York, a linebacker for Texas A&M, stated that it was clearly painful. We obviously wanted to make the playoffs, but this year’s story didn’t end that way. So, perhaps, a victory versus USC will bring everything to a successful conclusion.
Due to Moose Muhammad III’s decision to prepare for the NFL draft, the Aggies will be without defensive ends Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart, defensive lineman Shemar Turner, and backup wide receiver.
Aggies coach Mike Elko stated, “I think it was the right decision for each one of them, and the rest of our roster is here, so we’re excited.” I’m pleased with where we’re headed and believe we’re at a great spot.
Homecoming for Maiava
Jayden Maiava, a sophomore quarterback for USC, was a Las Vegas high school standout who played at Allegiant Stadium as UNLV’s starting quarterback the previous season.
After that, he departed for USC, originally serving as Miller Moss’ backup before taking the starting position with three games remaining. Passing for 840 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions, Maiava finished 2-1.
Riley declared, “I’m really bullish on his future.” He is a gifted young man. He’s going to continue to improve, in my opinion.
QB change Part II
Like the Trojans, Texas A&M changed their quarterback in the middle of the season.
Marcel Reed, a redshirt freshman dual threat, replaced Conner Weigman in the victory over LSU and became the full-time starter. He has rushed for 501 yards and six touchdowns and passed for 1,572 yards and eight touchdowns in seven games that he has started.
Noah Thomas, a wide receiver for Texas A&M, stated, “I think they’ve got to respect him on that run side.” I believe it will also open me up because they might put a few more people in the box.
Making defensive progress
D’Anton Lynn, the Trojans’ first-year coordinator, made significant progress in several aspects of the defense.
Among the enhancements are:
Last season, USC gave up 432.8 yards per game; this year, they give up 371.6.
The mean number of points permitted decreased from 34.4 to 22.7.
The average number of yards allowed by the Rushing defense dropped from 186.5 to 140.4.
Going far West
Since losing 45-44 at UCLA to start the 2017 season, this is Texas A&M’s furthest westward journey.
The last time the Aggies played this close to the Pacific Ocean was against California in the 2006 Holiday Bowl in San Diego. Cal, at number 20, won 45–10.
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