In a city where success often hinges on maintaining a poker face, it could be a positive sign that Texas A&M (8-4) appears difficult to read heading into their SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl clash with USC (6-6) at 9:30 p.m. CT on Friday at Allegiant Stadium.
Bowl games, particularly in recent years, have become a gamble. With players opting out, transferring, or declaring for the NFL, rosters often shrink to the point where participating teams are barely recognizable. However, the Aggies seem to be taking a focused and serious approach to the game.
“This is another game to put in your resume,” A&M defensive tackle Albert Regis said on Thursday. “When (NFL) scouts come talking to Coach for us, Coach doesn’t have to say, ‘his best games were X, Y and Z.’ He can just say go watch all year, even in the bowl game. This game is equally as important as any other game.”
Maybe, maybe not. However, if Regis and his teammates aren’t fully committed to the game, they’re certainly putting on an impressive bluff.
The more significant question surrounding A&M’s approach is whether the Las Vegas Bowl is a “call” for 2024 or just the “ante” for 2025.
It seems that Aggie coach Mike Elko views it as an ante.
“I think, for our whole team, this is an opportunity to vault into next year,” Elko said. “That’s what we’ve spoken about the most. Win or lose, this (postgame) feeling lasts for six months. That’s just the nature of bowl games.
“People have been talking a lot about who’s in? Who’s out? Who’s playing? Who’s not playing?
“At the end of the day, when there is a ball down, there’s a result. Those results last an awful long time because our team puts an awful lot into it, and so does the other one (USC). I think, for our whole team, this is a potential launching point for next year.”
That may be true, but an A&M victory would secure a nine-win season, which would be a significant achievement. The Aggies have only reached nine wins twice in the past decade, so it would be a notable accomplishment.
Beating USC would also be no easy feat. Despite their underwhelming record, the Trojans are not to be underestimated. They defeated LSU and lost five of their six games by a touchdown or less, including a 33-30 overtime loss to No. 4 Penn State. Additionally, they ended the season with a strong performance, accumulating 557 yards of total offense in a 49-35 loss to No. 5 Notre Dame.
Sophomore quarterback Jayden Maiava, who started the final three games of the season, threw for 360 yards and three touchdowns in the game against Notre Dame.
This is a concern for A&M’s defense, which has shown vulnerability against the pass at times.
Furthermore, the Aggies will be without defensive linemen Nic Scourton, Shemar Stewart, and Shemar Turner, who opted out. These players were key contributors to A&M’s pass rush.
They will be replaced by ends Cashius Howell and Rylan Kennedy, along with tackle DJ Hicks, in the starting lineup.
“Obviously, it’s different kids,” Elko said. “Kids that have played a lot of football this year, though. Certainly, kids we have a lot of confidence in.
“It will be a great opportunity for them. They’ve worked really hard to hopefully get more opportunities and reps. This is going to be their chance to go out there and be the starters.”
The defensive changes highlight the importance of A&M freshman quarterback Marcel Reed continuing to improve.
Reed passed for over 200 yards in consecutive games against South Carolina, New Mexico State, and Auburn, and also threw six touchdown passes during that three-game stretch.
He has done enough to show promise.
“He jumps off the screen with what he can do with his legs,” Riley said. “Also throws the ball really well. Dangerous player. Definitely one of the top young quarterbacks in college football right now.”
