USC Trojans vs. Texas A&M Aggies Draws Disappointing Crowd For Las Vegas Bowl

The USC Trojans (6-6) are facing the Texas A&M Aggies (8-4) on Friday, Dec. 27 in the Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium to close out the 2024 season. Fans were sparse at kick off for the matchup between two teams who are finishing disappointing seasons.

The stands at kickoff for the Las Vegas Bowl. Still pretty loud in here to be honest. pic.twitter.com/qThPgptLLw
— Ryan Abraham (@insidetroy) December 28, 2024

Where is everybody???? I wasn't expecting a sellout or anything but this is the saddest bowl game ever. I honestly can't think of a USC game I've ever been to that had this many empty seats. Props to all the loyal fans who are here!!!!#USC #FightOn ✌️ #BeatTheAggies pic.twitter.com/Q8j209weE6
— USC Psycho (@uscpsycho) December 28, 2024

USC will open and close their season in Las Vegas by playing an SEC team at Allegiant Stadium. There’s a slightly different atmosphere on December 27 compared to September 1. pic.twitter.com/2AycEEEqui
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) December 28, 2024

USC's season ends at the same place it began, in Allegiant Stadium vs. an SEC team. USC defeated the LSU Tigers 27-20 on Sep. 1. In the above photo, the stark contrast of attendance is evident.

Ahead of the game against USC, Texas A&M coach Mike Elko spoke highly of the matchup and bowl game.

"I think when you get a bowl game, I think location and venue matters," Elko said. "Obviously, going to Las Vegas, playing in the Raiders Stadium, that's a cool venue. It's a great opportunity in that regard. Matchup matters. Playing a brand in the Big Ten, USC and certainly with our recruiting on the West Coast and how we've crossed paths with those guys. I think it's a really cool opportunity. It's really a cool game, so we're excited to go out there and play."

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Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) throws the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Both USC and Texas A&M would benefit from finishing the season on a positive note after massive departures in the transfer portal.

USC has had 19 players enter the transfer portal, including receivers Duce Robinson, Zachariah Branch and Kyron Hudson, running back Quinten Joyner, offensive tackle Mason Murphy and defensive end Sam Greene. The Trojans will also be without running back Woody Marks, center Jonah Monheim and cornerback Jaylin Smith, all three have declared for the 2025 NFL Draft and opted out of Friday’s contest.

The Aggies have had 20 players enter the transfer portal.

Texas A&M jumped out to a 7-1 start and were ranked as high as No. 10 in early November. The Aggies looked primed to make a run for the SEC Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff, but dropped three of its final four games.

The Trojans finished 6-6 but at one point in the season, USC was ranked No.11 in the country.

Quarterback Jayden Maiava is making his fourth start for USC after coach Lincoln Riley benched Miller Moss. Maiava has led USC to a 2-1 record, helping USC become bowl eligible after a 4-5 start. The UNLV transfer has thrown for 906 yards, seven touchdowns versus three interceptions, he’s also added four touchdowns on the ground.

Through his first three starts (weeks 12-14), Maiava has recorded a 77.3 grade per PFF to rank No. 18 among all Power 4 quarterbacks with a minimum of 50 passing attempts.

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