Texas A&M Vs USC Las Vegas Bowl Odds and Picks: Take The Aggies

The USC Trojans are heading back to Allegiant Stadium, where they defeated LSU in their season debut. Too bad it was pretty much downhill from there. Now, the 6-6 SU Trojans are 3.5-point 'dogs against an 8-4 SU Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl. Looking to repeat the luck in Sin City, the Trojans have the chance to win back-to-back bowl games for the first time in over a decade. But, with Trojans riddling the transfer portal, I'm not so sure Lincoln Riley will hit the jackpot on the scoreboard. 

Texas A&M Vs USC Odds

Matchup Page: Texas A&M vs USC, Dec. 27, 10:30 pm ET

Odds as of December 17 from FanDuel

Texas A&M Vs USC Picks – Las vegas bowl

Texas A&M was its own biggest enemy this season, lacking consistency throughout its schedule by falling to Notre Dame, South Carolina and Texas but defeating a top 10-ranked Missouri and LSU. Losing three of their final four matchups pushed the Aggies out of College Football Playoff contention. 

With Miller Moss and third-stringer, Jake Jensen, jumping in the transfer portal -- Jayden Maiava is the lone quarterback for the Trojans. He got reps in, as the sophomore started the final three weeks of the season, pairing 11 total touchdowns with three interceptions. 

According to our bowl season trends, when a line is set at 3.5 points or fewer entering the Las Vegas Bowl, the favorite is 8-1 ATS in the last nine outings. Given the progression of Lincoln Riley, whose overall records have slowly gotten worse under his three-year tenure, I don't think I trust USC here. At least the Aggies have some sparkle to their resume, those two top-10-ranked wins aren't something to quickly overlook. Texas A&M's team is just a bit more intact here.

Texas A&M Vs USC Pick: Aggies -3.5 (-118)

*picks made as of Tuesday, December 17 at 10:30 am ET

Texas A&M Vs USC News

Texas A&M's defense had gotten bleaker with DL Nic Scourton opting out of the Las Vegas Bowl. The junior recorded 27 solo tackles and ranked third in the SEC with 14.0 tackles for loss. But, USC has felt the effects of the portal ten times worse, losing a dozen players and counting, including RB Quinten Joyner. The Trojans' offense is dwindling while the Aggies have lost a couple of major defensive names. 

Texas A&M Vs USC Prop Bet: Jayden Maiava Anytime TD

Like I just mentioned, USC has lost a top-three running back and wide receiver. So, Maiava may need to take scoring into his own hands -- which he can do! Through six appearances this year, the sophomore has pocketed four rushing touchdowns. Plus, he and coach Riley will be considering this further opportunity to develop. Maiava will be treating this like an early try-out, we know USC is hiring for a starting quarterback position.

Texas A&M Vs USC Betting Trends