USC will close out their frustrating season against Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 27 at Allegiant Stadium, where they opened their season with a victory over LSU. Despite high hopes after the LSU win, the Trojans lost four of their first five Big Ten games, only bouncing back to barely secure bowl eligibility with a late win over UCLA.
The bowl bid is USC’s third consecutive postseason under coach Lincoln Riley, but at 6-6, a win in Vegas is needed to salvage a winning season. On the other side, Texas A&M had a promising start under coach Mike Elko but fell apart in the final month, losing their last three SEC games after losing star running back Le’Veon Moss.
Both teams have faced challenges with injuries and player transfers, as USC’s Woody Marks and several others may opt out of the bowl game. USC will also be without a linebackers coach after Matt Entz left for Fresno State. This will be USC’s third appearance in the Las Vegas Bowl, with the last trip coming under tumultuous circumstances in 2013 when Lane Kiffin was fired mid-season and interim coach Ed Orgeron left before the bowl game.
With staff changes looming and players potentially sitting out, USC and Texas A&M will face off in what could be a crucial game for both teams looking to end their seasons on a high note. The Las Vegas Bowl will be aired on ESPN.
Source
Photo credit www.latimes.com
