USC (6-6-0) at Texas A&M (8-4-0)
- When: Dec 27 2024, 10:30 PM
- Where: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
- Where to watch: ESPN
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Texas A&M @ USC
Moneyline
Texas A&M -160
USC +135
Texas A&M @ USC
Point Spread
Texas A&M -3.0 (-110)
USC 3.0 (-110)
Texas A&M @ USC
Total
Over 53.5 (-110)
Under 53.5 (-110)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Starting QB:
USC: Jayden Maiava 906 Yds
Texas A&M: Marcel Reed 1572 Yds
Team Stats
| USC | Texas A&M | |
| 6-6 | Record | 8-4 |
| 2-4 | Away | 2-2 |
| 7-5-0 | ATS | 3-9-0 |
| 6-6-0 | O/U | 7-5-0 |
Game Preview
For the first time since 1977, Southern California and Texas A&M will face off, this time in the Las Vegas Bowl on Friday. With Texas A&M entering as a 4-point favorite and the total set at 52.0, this matchup offers intriguing angles for bettors.
USC: Aiming for Stability Amid Turmoil
USC (6-6) returns to the Las Vegas Bowl for the first time since 2013 but under vastly different circumstances. This time, the Trojans are looking to avoid their third losing season since 2018, a mark of inconsistency not seen in the program since the late 1950s.
Despite their struggles, USC found some momentum late in the season after transitioning to quarterback Jayden Maiava. Maiava, who replaced Miller Moss in the final stretch, led the Trojans to close wins over Nebraska (28-20) and UCLA (19-13) by orchestrating clutch touchdown drives.
Maiava has thrown for seven touchdowns and rushed for three in his last three games, though turnovers remain an issue, with three of his interceptions returned for touchdowns. Returning to Allegiant Stadium, where he previously played for UNLV, Maiava will look to limit mistakes against a solid Texas A&M defense.
However, the Trojans’ roster has been significantly depleted. Key wide receivers Duce Robinson, Kyron Hudson, and Zachariah Branch, as well as running back Quinten Joyner, entered the transfer portal. Starting running back Woody Marks also opted out, leaving Maiava with a largely untested supporting cast.
Betting Angle: With a weakened offensive roster and turnover concerns, USC faces an uphill battle to cover the spread.
Texas A&M: Hungry for Redemption
The Aggies (8-4) are making their Las Vegas Bowl debut after a rollercoaster season. Once 7-1 and in contention for a College Football Playoff spot, Texas A&M stumbled in November, finishing 1-3. Their season ended with a quadruple-overtime loss to Auburn and a 17-7 defeat to rival Texas.
Despite the late-season struggles, the Aggies have largely avoided the roster turnover that has plagued USC. Wide receiver Cyrus Allen entered the transfer portal, but most key contributors remain. Quarterback Marcel Reed, who took over as the full-time starter midseason, brings both passing efficiency (1,572 yards, 12 touchdowns) and mobility (501 rushing yards, six scores).
Reed’s leadership and dual-threat ability provide stability for the Aggies, who see this game as an opportunity to make a statement against a marquee opponent like USC.
Betting Angle: Texas A&M’s relatively intact roster and Reed’s growth as a leader position them well to cover the spread and potentially dominate this matchup.
Key Matchups:
– Maiava vs. Texas A&M Defense:
With a depleted receiving corps and a tendency for turnovers, Maiava will need to play mistake-free football to keep USC competitive.
– Reed’s Dual-Threat Ability:
Reed’s combination of passing and rushing could exploit a USC defense that has struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks.
– Roster Stability:
While USC’s opt-outs and transfers leave them vulnerable, Texas A&M’s continuity could provide a significant edge.
Predictions and Best Bets:
– Spread: Texas A&M -3.0
The Aggies’ more complete roster and offensive stability should allow them to control the game and cover the spread.
– Total: Under 53.5
With USC’s offensive challenges and Texas A&M’s ability to control the tempo, this game could fall short of the total.
– Player Prop to Watch: Marcel Reed Over 250 Total Yards
Reed’s dual-threat ability makes him a key factor in this game, and he should have ample opportunities to surpass this mark.
Conclusion:
Texas A&M’s continuity and balanced offense make them the safer pick in this Las Vegas Bowl matchup. USC’s roster instability and turnover issues could limit their ability to compete, giving the Aggies a strong chance to cover and control the game. Look for Texas A&M to secure a statement win while keeping the total under.
Las Vegas Bowl Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Texas A&M 30-20
Expert Pick: Texas A&M -3 & Under 53½
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $364
- Las Vegas Bowl Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
