Texas A&M and USC are set to face off for the first time in 47 years in the Las Vegas Bowl on Friday night, marking just the fourth encounter between the two storied college football programs. With a combined 14 claimed national championships (USC with 11 and Texas A&M with 3), both teams are also among the elite in college football history, boasting over 750 victories each.
As they prepare for this prestigious matchup, both coaches are eager to salvage the season after disappointing finishes against their rivals. Texas A&M started strong but lost their last three games, including a 17-7 home defeat to Texas. Conversely, USC managed to recover in November with crucial conference wins but ended their regular season with a 49-35 loss to Notre Dame.
The upcoming game in the Las Vegas Bowl could see significant roster changes, as both teams will be impacted by player opt-outs due to the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft and the transfer portal. While some key players may be absent, this situation offers a valuable opportunity for backups to showcase their skills.
The game will take place on December 27, at 10:30 p.m. ET, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fans can watch the action live on ESPN or stream it on Fubo.
USC will return to the site of their season opener, a 27-20 victory over LSU, while aiming for a successful bowl performance. This will be USC’s third appearance in the Las Vegas Bowl, where they have a history of mixed results, including a notable win in 2013.
For Texas A&M, freshman quarterback Marcel Reed stands out as a player to watch. After reclaiming the starting role, Reed has been diligent in preparing for this game within Collin Klein’s offensive scheme and aims to continue developing as a dual-threat quarterback.
On the offensive front, USC has shown impressive passing capabilities, finishing the regular season ranked first in the Big Ten and 11th nationally in passing yards. Jayden Maiava, who took over as quarterback later in the year, provides hope for a stronger performance as the Trojans look to end the season on a high note.
Looking ahead to the game, there’s an air of anticipation for how each team will rise to the occasion, especially given USC’s determination to build on previous bowl experiences. This matchup not only highlights the rich history and talent of these programs but also sets the stage for a thrilling contest in Las Vegas. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see which team will emerge victorious, and there is optimism that both sides will put on a spectacular show.
In summary, this Las Vegas Bowl clash represents a convergence of historical significance and modern-day challenges for both Texas A&M and USC, promising an exciting finale to the college football season.