Five bold predictions for Texas A&M football vs. USC: How Aggies will thwart Trojans
Texas A&M football is gearing up for their bowl game against the USC Trojans this Friday. This promises to be one of the more entertaining games on the entire bowl slate, given the big brands and the style of team each program boasts. Here are five things I think we see in this one.
Shootout in the desert
This is a game that I see ending up as pretty high-scoring. The USC defense is already not great, and they're losing several players before this one. Even though the Aggies won't be at full strength at the skill positions, I think they'll still be able to move the ball on the ground pretty well. I could see the final combined score getting up into the 70s or 80s— something we've only seen in one Aggie game this year, and that one was a triple-overtime venture.
Rueben Owens goes for 100+ in total yardage
Speaking of a big day on the ground, I think we see Owens back much closer to form than previously. Though I expect Amari Daniels to get the bulk of the carries, Owens should be much more game ready than he was for Texas. With his ability to receive out of the backfield, return kickoffs, and run the ball, I think he ends up with over 100 yards in total offense.
Rylan Kennedy registers multiple TFLs
A guy we saw begin to emerge in last year's bowl game will now get the start in this year's bowl. Kennedy has flashed massive potential all year, and now he will get as many snaps as he's had all year. He'll capitalize on that opportunity, to the tune of multiple tackles for loss.
Aggies turn over Trojans more than once
Lincoln Riley's squad is a -2 in turnover margin for the year, losing 18 and gaining 16. The Aggies are a +4, having gained 17 and lost 13. Mike Elko's defense will create a couple of big takeaways here in this one to give the Aggies the edge when it comes down to the final minutes.
Texas A&M football wins by double digits
Though I think we see a little bit of back and forth in this one, this is a game that Texas A&M football should win comfortably. The Aggies will pull away in the second half here and end up winning by 10+. If I'm right, that'll be a nice way to end the year, with an exciting 2025 to look forward to.