USC quarterback Jayden Maiava attempts a pass while under pressure from Texas A&M defensive lineman Cashius Howell during the first half of the Trojans' thrilling 35-31 comeback victory in the Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Friday. (David Becker / Getty Images)
Less than four months ago, at the start of his pivotal third season as USC’s coach, Lincoln Riley left the field at Allegiant Stadium filled with optimism. His new quarterback had performed brilliantly, and his revamped defense had risen to the occasion. The season-opening victory over Louisiana State felt like the statement he’d been waiting for.
“We know what we’ve been building,” Riley said that night. “I know we’re making progress.”
By late December, the optimism that once surrounded USC’s season had all but vanished, along with confidence in Lincoln Riley. A frustrating season had unraveled, culminating Friday night in the same place it began.
Yet, after a series of late-game collapses throughout the campaign, the Trojans managed to rediscover, however fleetingly, the promise they showed in September. Rallying from behind, they defeated Texas A&M 35-31 in the Las Vegas Bowl, closing out their season with a 7-6 record.
The season's beginning and end shared a striking resemblance, complete with a dramatic finish, as USC once again overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to secure a statement victory. However, this statement carried a far different weight than the one made in September.
Once again, USC's victory relied on timely defensive stops and a heroic performance from its star receiver. Ja’Kobi Lane delivered 127 yards and three touchdowns, bringing his season total to 12.
This time, however, the Trojans' quarterback had to claw his way out of a deep deficit first.
The Aggies faltered in the second quarter, gaining just five yards, yet USC failed to capitalize. One drive ended with an ill-advised deep pass from Maiava that was intercepted, while another stalled as the Trojans ran down the clock before halftime, only to miss a 39-yard field goal.
Texas A&M seized the momentum, scoring 17 unanswered points in the third quarter. But it wasn’t enough. Maiava rallied the Trojans, leading them to a comeback victory and closing an up-and-down season on a high note, fittingly in the same place it began.
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