Texas A&M football faced another setback on Saturday, suffering a 35-31 defeat to USC in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl. This loss marks the Aggies’ fourth in five games, highlighting a challenging season for the team.
The Aggies initially led by three scores in the second half, but a remarkable comeback by the Trojans in the fourth quarter saw them clinch victory. Key to USC’s resurgence was wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane, who recorded seven receptions for a game-high 127 yards and three touchdowns.
Despite struggling early in the game, Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed rebounded to throw for 293 yards and three touchdowns after throwing two interceptions in the first half. He also contributed with 46 rushing yards, including a 19-yard touchdown run that briefly gave the Aggies a 31-28 lead with less than two minutes remaining.
USC’s Jayden Maiava had a strong performance as well, completing 22 of 39 passes for 295 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Texas A&M quickly opened the scoring with a touchdown on their first drive but stumbled thereafter with two interceptions and a couple of punts. The Aggies’ defense displayed strong moments in the first half, forcing three punts and securing an interception, leading to a low-scoring game at halftime.
The Trojans came into this bowl game with a 6-6 record, finishing just above .500 in their first season in the Big Ten. A notable standout for USC was running back Bryan Jackson, who contributed significantly to the offense.
As the game progressed, the Aggies demonstrated resolve by answering the Trojans’ efforts with their own touchdown drive in the fourth quarter, but ultimately succumbed to a late touchdown pass from Jayden Maiava to Kyle Ford.
In retrospect, the Aggies had some shining moments, with Reed’s performance showcasing his ability to lead the team, especially after previous setbacks this season. The future looks promising as Texas A&M aims to regroup and rebuild for the next season, focusing on capitalizing on the talents of their returning players.
Summary: Texas A&M’s football team experienced a tough loss in the Las Vegas Bowl against USC, collapsing in the fourth quarter after leading comfortably. Quarterback Marcel Reed showed determination with impressive passing and rushing stats, but the Aggies ultimately fell short as the Trojans rallied for a late win. While the defeat is disappointing, there are reasons for optimism as the team looks ahead to future seasons.