As the 2024 college football season winds down, all eyes are on the Las Vegas Bowl, where the USC Trojans are set to take on the Texas A&M Aggies. Both teams have underperformed this season; that is why this matchup is not just another bowl game; it’s a clash of illustrious programs looking to end their seasons on a high note. While “Fire Riley” was trending all over social media, Mike Elko also had a disappointing second half of the season. While fans are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting showdown. Let’s discuss who will be behind the mic.

The game kicks off on December 27 at 7:30 p.m. PST at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and fans can expect to hear Dave Flemming, Brock Osweiler, and Stormy Buonantony on the call for ESPN. Flemming is known to handle play-by-play duties and for bringing his energetic commentary style to the game.

He will be joined by Osweiler, with his experience as a former NFL quarterback. The former player is known for his valuable insights and analysis from the booth, while Buonantony will be reporting from the sidelines, giving fans updates and reactions straight from the field. Fans can expect an entertaining broadcast from this trio, known for their engaging coverage and in-depth understanding of college football, as these two powerhouse programs clash.

While bowl games are often deemed “meaningless” by some pundits, they can provide valuable momentum heading into the offseason. For USC, finishing with a winning record would be a significant accomplishment after such an unstable year filled with player transfers and coaching changes. Do you know the Trojans have seen an astonishing 19 players enter the transfer portal since their last game against Notre Dame? Key contributors like Duce Robinson and Zachariah Branch have departed, leaving USC’s roster looking quite thin and heading into this crucial matchup. But they still have starting quarterback Jayden Maiava, who stepped up in recent games and will look to lead his team against Texas A&M.

When it comes to Aggies, they have also had players enter the portal, but they appear to be more stable than USC at this time. Despite losing their last game against rival Texas without scoring any offensive points, they finished strong. Will the Aggies take advantage of USC’s instability and secure a victory in Las Vegas? It certainly seems possible. Now, let’s turn our attention to the players to watch for the Aggies in the upcoming bowl showdown.

5 Aggies to watch at the bowl game

As the excitement builds for the Las Vegas Bowl, where the Texas A&M Aggies will face off against the USC Trojans, are you eager to see how both teams will navigate their challenges? This matchup is particularly intriguing because both squads are dealing with significant player losses due to opt-outs and injuries. However, these circumstances also present a golden opportunity for some young talent to step into the spotlight. Let’s get straight into five Aggies to watch in this crucial bowl game.

First up is Rueben Owens, a running back who has been recovering from an injury suffered during fall camp. Also known as the comeback kid. Unfortunately, he saw limited action against Texas earlier this season; he wasn’t at full strength. Almost a month later now, Owens should be much further along in his recovery. With fellow running back Le’Veon Moss out due to injury, Owens’ contribution will be vital for the Aggies. Owens brings a unique skill set to the table with his ability to catch passes out of the backfield—something that other backs in this offense have struggled with.

The second player to look up to is the running back Amari Daniels. He has emerged as a reliable option in the backfield and will likely see increased carries in this matchup. Known for his downhill running style and balance, he’s capable of moving the chains and keeping the offense on schedule. To strengthen the O-line, the Aggies are looking up to QB Jayden Maiava. He will be stepping into a pivotal role, and Maiava will need to manage the game effectively. His performance could dictate how well Texas A&M moves the ball against USC’s defense.

Now coming to the other side, Cashius Howell has been a standout on defense this season and will need to apply pressure on USC’s quarterback. Last but not least, keep your eyes on EJ Smith. The running back has not made a huge impact so far, but he has shown flashes of potential. A victory is very crucial for both teams for the postseason improvements.