The USC Trojans defeated the Texas A&M Aggies 35-31 in the Las Vegas Bowl. Although it seemed like the game was over for the Trojans a few times, the team fought through until they scored a game-winning touchdown.

The Trojans finished the regular season with a record of 6-6. It was disappointing and there were numerous questions surrounding USC coach Lincoln Riley. Former USC Trojans quarterback Matt Leinart has been outspoken about the issues surrounding USC, but took to social media after the game to praise USC.

“A depleted 6-6 USC football team just beat a depleted 8-4 Texas Am team (a team that was one win away from advancing to the SEC title game). Don’t put much stock in these games anymore, but you can see what USC can be at times,” Leinart wrote. “There are a lot of questions about next year, but with a favorable schedule it may be the year they turn things around. One can hope.”

The Texas A&M Aggies finished the season 8-4. It was the last few weeks of the season that kept them out of the conference championship game. The Aggies were the favorites, and many counted the Trojans out. USC also had 19 departures from the transfer portal, players opting out to prepare for the NFL Draft and injuries. Still, USC showed resilience and won the game.

The Trojans’ defense tightened up as the game went on, but wide receivers Ja’Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon stepped up with big plays. USC lost many offensive weapons, but Lane and Lemon did their best on the field.

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“Lane and Lemon could be the best (wide receiver) duo in the country next year. Remember this!” Leinart said in a separate X post.

Against the Aggies, Lane had seven receptions for 127 yards and three touchdowns. Lemon had six receptions for 99 yards. Although Lemon didn’t score a touchdown, his ability to return kicks shows how quick he is as an offensive weapon. Lemon only returned one kick but made it for 46 yards.

With wide receivers Zachariah Branch and Kyron Hudson leaving the portal, Lemon and Lane have a chance to be the Trojans’ big names in 2025. Lane had 525 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns this season. Lemon had 764 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

The Trojans defense also deserves credit for the game against Texas A&M. Safeties Akili Arnold and Kamari Ramsey both caught an interception to keep USC in the game in the first half.

As Leinart said in his post, there are still questions surrounding this USC team. Riley made questionable decisions, particularly towards the end of the first half. Failure to utilize timeouts and take advantage of field position to end the half could have cost the Trojans the game. The Trojans trailed by three points with just under a quarter to go, but found a way to win.

“I think at the end of the day we all realize what we came to do in Las Vegas, which was to get the win, and I think we’re all happy with that,” Riley said after the game.

Riley led his team to a win and showed potential, but there needs to be more consistency. In the first half, it seemed like Riley and the Trojans were finished. What matters is that the team prevailed in the end and managed to win the bowl game. It may have been a difficult season, but this win keeps hope alive for next season.