The upcoming 2024 Las Vegas Bowl features a matchup between the University of Southern California (USC) and Texas A&M University, with expert models predicting an intriguing contest. Texas A&M's season had high hopes, but these were dashed by a late-season loss to Texas, ending their SEC championship aspirations. The Aggies finished with an 8-4 record, while USC struggled to a 6-6 mark, putting head coach Lincoln Riley under scrutiny. Despite this, USC’s defense has shown marked improvement. The SP+ prediction model offers valuable insights into how this postseason game might unfold.

Game Details and Predictions

In the heart of winter, on Friday, December 27th, the lights of Las Vegas will shine brightly as USC and Texas A&M face off at Allegiant Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 PM Eastern Time, with ESPN broadcasting the event. The SP+ model, renowned for its tempo- and opponent-adjusted efficiency metrics, forecasts a narrow victory for the Aggies. According to the model, Texas A&M is expected to edge out USC with a score of 31 to 24, giving them a 67 percent chance of winning outright. This aligns with betting markets, where Texas A&M is listed as a 3.5-point favorite, with FanDuel setting the over/under at 53.5 points.

From a journalistic perspective, this game highlights the unpredictable nature of college football. Despite USC's underwhelming regular season, the Trojans have demonstrated defensive improvements that could challenge Texas A&M's offense. Conversely, the Aggies' experience in high-stakes games may provide them with the edge needed to secure victory. For fans and analysts alike, the Las Vegas Bowl promises to be a thrilling encounter, offering a showcase of talent and strategy. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of preparation and adaptability in determining the outcome of any sporting event.