Texas A&M football faced a disappointing outcome on Saturday, losing to USC 35-31 in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl. This defeat marks the Aggies’ fourth loss in their last five games.
The Aggies appeared to be in control, leading by three scores in the second half, but a strong performance from USC culminated in an impressive fourth-quarter comeback. Trojans’ wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane shined with seven receptions for a game-leading 127 yards and three touchdowns, playing a pivotal role in USC’s victory.
Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed showed resilience by overcoming two first-half interceptions, ending the game with 293 passing yards and three touchdowns, alongside 46 rushing yards, including a critical 19-yard touchdown run that briefly put the Aggies ahead with under two minutes left.
USC’s quarterback Jayden Maiava performed well, completing 22 of 39 passes for 295 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. The game had its ups and downs, with Texas A&M starting strong by scoring on their opening drive but quickly falling into a rhythm of turnovers and missed opportunities.
Notably, the Aggies’ defense managed to force three punts and an interception in the first half, helping to keep the score low. Texas A&M running back EJ Smith contributed 76 yards from scrimmage, while Rueben Owens added 56 yards on 13 carries.
Despite finishing with a 6-6 record this season, USC will end their inaugural year in the Big Ten on a positive note with this victory. The game saw notable moments, including a late touchdown catch by Kyle Ford that sealed USC’s win after Jayden Maiava orchestrated a clutch drive, showcasing the drama and competitiveness of college football.
In reflecting on the game, although Texas A&M did not achieve the outcome they desired, the performance from Reed indicates potential for growth moving forward. The ability to make significant plays, even in the face of adversity, may be a positive sign for the Aggies as they look to improve in their future seasons.
Summary: Texas A&M lost to USC 35-31 in the Las Vegas Bowl after leading by three scores in the second half. USC made a strong fourth-quarter comeback, driven by key performances from quarterback Jayden Maiava and wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane. Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed showed resilience, bouncing back from early mistakes, but ultimately fell short in securing the win. The game highlights the competitive nature of college football and the potential for growth in the Aggies’ program.