LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Southern California Trojans ended their season the same way they started it.
On September 1, in the season opener at Allegiant Stadium, the Trojans overcame a third-quarter deficit to score with eight seconds left and beat LSU 27-20.
Back at Allegiant on Friday night in the Las Vegas Bowl, Jayden Maiava threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kyle Ford with eight seconds left, giving USC a 35-31 win over Texas A&M.
Maiava, a graduate of Liberty High School near Henderson and a transfer from UNLV, helped the Trojans (7-6) overcome a 17-point deficit in the third quarter.
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Maiava was 22-of-39 for 295 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. Brian Jackson ran 16 times for 66 yards and one score.
Maiava got off to an ugly start with an impressive last drive that included a nice pass into the lane that led to a 33-yard gain. He and Lane connected again and reached the 2, but a delay of game penalty forced the Trojans back to the 7 with 12 seconds left.
LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 27: USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) hits Texas A&M Aggies kicker Randy on the kickoff return of the Texas A&M Aggies vs. USC SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl. Trying to jump over Bond (47). Trojans at Allegiant Stadium on December 27, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Nurenberg/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 27: Texas A&M Aggies at the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on December 27, 2024 USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts after defeating the USC Trojans in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Trojans defeated the Aggies 35-31. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 27: Jayden Maiava #14 of the USC Trojans attends the SRS Distribution at Allegiant Stadium on December 27 – Looks like he’ll be looking to pass during the second half of the Las Vegas Bowl against the Texas A&M Aggies. 2024, Las Vegas, Nevada. The Trojans defeated the Aggies 35-31. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 27: After the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl vs. Texas A&M Aggies game at Allegiant Stadium on December 27, 2024 Travis Leonard #62 of the USC Trojans celebrates during the trophy presentation ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Trojans defeated the Aggies 35-31. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
“At the end of the day, we knew what we came to do in Las Vegas and that was win,” said receiver Jacobi, who caught seven passes for 127 yards and three touchdowns.・Lane said. “And I think we’re all happy with that. It’s time to go home and enjoy a little bit of the Christmas time that we’ve been missing out on.”
After Texas A&M quarterback Marcell Reed raced 19 yards for a touchdown with 1:49 left to regain the lead, Maiava took 10 plays to defeat Southern California on the same field where he started his college career. He drove 75 yards for the winning score and usurped the role of heroics. .
The Aggies (8-5) scored 17 straight points to take a 24-7 lead to open the third quarter, but squandered the lead thanks to some ill-timed penalties, allowing the Trojans to mount a comeback. In the end, they took a 28-24 lead. 4:30 left.
The Aggies gained 73 yards on eight penalties, including a 40-yard gain in the second half.
“It’s huge,” Elko said. “Leading 24-7 and having three 15-yard penalties on the next drive, I think the story of this game is the story of our season. We don’t understand how to play zone coverage. But this surprises me. …We don’t cover the forward passes well enough to be a good football team, and that’s my fault.”
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Reed completed 26 of 42 passes for 292 yards. He threw three touchdowns and two interceptions. He ran for 46 yards on nine attempts.
Reid distributed the wealth among eight targets, including Jabre Barber, who caught seven passes for 48 yards and one touchdown. Noah Thomas had five catches for 29 yards and two TDs.
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