After an impressive September win over LSU, the Trojans had higher hopes for their postseason than a return trip to Vegas. But USC lost four of five in devastating fashion to open its first Big Ten season, squandering a fourth-quarter lead in each of the four losses.
Texas A&M had its own high hopes in the SEC this season, its first under coach Mike Elko. The Aggies opened the season 7-1, with a win over LSU and their only loss coming to Notre Dame. Like USC, they weathered a midseason change at quarterback.
The bowl bid marks a third consecutive postseason appearance for USC under Lincoln Riley. But at 6-6, the Las Vegas Bowl isn't much of a consolation considering where the 2024 season began. Now the Trojans will need a bowl victory just to salvage a winning season.
Many on both sides of this bowl game will presumably do the same in the coming days. USC has already lost starting wideout Kyron Hudson and young edge rusher Sam Greene, who earned a starting job by season's end.
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