Instant Analysis from USC's 35-31 Las Vegas Bowl win over Texas A&M

Connor Morrissette and Chris Trevino break down USC's 35-31 win over Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl.

[@underthesun312]

Kyle Ford will be able to frame a beautiful photograph of that image of him celebrating catching the winning touchdown in the final play of the Las Vegas Bowl game for USC for the rest of his life!

[@Jaime-u5m]

Special moment, thanks for your never-ever-give-up heart Kyle, thanks brother.

[@ericgutierrez4021]

Lane and Lemon should be called The Dynamic Duo ✌🏼

[@judiwelch7053]

Nobody has mentioned #21 Jackson! He reminded me of another 21. The great Lendale White !✌️

[@wcfenderson5609]

Thank you defense, for keeping us in the game, until the offense woke up. ✌🏾

[@bigsaga1]

Props to the young bucks on the Oline that came in and played well.

[@dalemulford9434]

My my, how things could have been different this past season had we utilized Lemon and Lane. Branch had all the snaps in the world to prove that he doesn't have stone mittens for hands, but he couldn't and that was not a loss

[@brianjacob8728]

nope. this season failed bc of riley. that wouldn't have changed.

[@checkdacontract]

Stone mittens???😂💀🤣

[@dalemulford9434]

@@brianjacob8728 yeah , wasn’t crazy about shitty play calls , and woeful time management skills , but I do believe he had the wrong combination of personnel starting …

[@Dakers11-pl8qj]

Coach Lincoln's Lions. Lane and Lemon. Thank you for a Happy New Year Victory. Fight On !

[@DaryleLozano]

Jayden is not the guy for 2025.

[@dls2427]

Too late to get someone better. That ship has sailed. He’s the guy.

[@BicycleRestorationMan]

Start Longstreet! He can’t be any worse even as a freshman

[@lamar310]

Jayden is a turnover machine. Gotta find someone else or at least try…plan C can be Longstreet

[@dls2427]

@ You’re not getting someone better at this point. That decision should’ve made at the end of the season. Lincoln made his bed with Jayden. Gotta make it work with him or until Longstreet is ready by Week 4 or 5ish.

[@dls2427]

@@BicycleRestorationMan You think Jayden turns the ball over. Put in a true freshman before he’s ready.

[@DreDay53]

I hope you guys had a good week out here I’m living in Vegas now but man it can be fun lol but fight on my USC family ✌🏿✌🏿

[@machynainc]

Nothing against Maiava, but if you really think throwing 3 picks but winning a game close is now what earns the starting QB spot at ‘SC, then you have just lowered the expectation of SC to that of our crosstown rival! ✌🏼

[@AnaMariazander]

At this point, a 7-6 season, who’s surprised at our pitiful acceptance?

[@edmartinez613]

Good job guys. So much to talk about going forward.

[@davidMecozzi-k8k]

Sorry guys Jaden is not the qb

[@rogersepulveda9842]

Great commentary, guys! I appreciate you guys putting together a good post-game show!

[@JohnSturgell]

Good job guys. Way to stick around and provide good analysis.

[@JeffWasNotHere]

Lol, Chris looks bewildered and I'm here for it!

[@checkdacontract]

I'm proud of the team for not giving up. I'm trying to figure out the clock management issues, hoping that it won't continue to be an issue moving forward

[@speedxkills5881]

Riley has had clock management issues going right back to his Oklahoma days. And we’ve seen it for 3 straight seasons now at USC. It doesn’t seem he learns from his mistakes. To think he’s going to change now after showing the same patterns late in games - using critical 2nd half timeouts early in close games, allowing the clock to inexplicably run away in 2 minute situations, passing the ball leading to incompletions when the team needs to run time off the clock with a lead, etc is living in denial at this point. Clock management is probably one of his weakest areas as a head coach and it doesn’t appear to be getting any better.

[@AnaMariazander]

Unless Riley takes a seminar on clock management, usc doesn’t have a chance next year. He could do with a tutorial on play calling, scouting, recruiting, game scheme ideas, public speaking…that’s the core issue.

[@DrDan-SC]

Dude, is Conner drunk??

[@300gjw]

It’s Vegas, might be.

[@TonyB-rv9qd]

🤣🥳

[@satcheldennis]

He's been stressed all year lol

[@JeffWasNotHere]

Let's be honest, after this season, we all need a few too many drinks.

[@achillespullo5761]

Lol

[@OldBoldGuy]

Hopefully Lincoln can find a quarterback for next season!!! Lot of holes in the roster, transfer portal might save them for next season!!!

[@justinsanders4698]

Great game. A&M fans are really classy

[@rwrae72]

Too bad the WR rotation wasn't like this from the beginning. Too bad we didn't have a better FG kicker from the beginning. Could have equaled another win or two.

[@frunkdup828]

Or 6

[@frunkdup828]

Lane is a bit faster than I thought ✌️🔥

[@davidMecozzi-k8k]

The defense won this game plain and simple. How many points did Texas get after those three interceptions? 7 maybe? That game could have very easily over by halftime and not in SC’s favor. Without the defense, this was a blowout

[@frunkdup828]

Did you fall asleep when the D gave back our late lead like they were coached by grinch?

[@TonyB-rv9qd]

Another Epic Trojans comeback Victory!✌️ Fight-On SC....

[@edmartinez613]

Let's not start the statistical expectations that lead to ego inflation and entitlement for more money with every catch. Morrisette thought that Lane was the new alpha wr after the Wisconsin game and he went downward after that disappearing in games not blocking and pouting on twitter. The other wrs did not appreciate that claim by cm it appeared. Branch got even more reps and targets after this it seemed this likely brought down the overall morale of the wr group despite superficial appearances to the contrary. Let's keep it real.

[@PhatLvis]

Weird how commentators forget What Happened (or perhaps can't interpret what they see), and simply refer to a stat sheet at the end of games. One of Maiava's INT's was on a deflected pass due to a badly Missed Block, where SC's tackle was in the right position, but simply let his man fly by untouched to swat the designed quick-pass; so that one gets an asterisk. The first INT appeared to be due to misunderstanding between QB and receiver (the ball thrown to the OUTside while Makai Lemon broke IN; however, Maiva did fail to notice an open Ja'Kobi Lane on the play). The third one was bizarre, an extreme outlier in how far off the mark it appeared to be - causing suspicion it might also have involved miscommunication (indeed, Maiava's reaction after the play was not one of regret/consternation, but Confusion). But, in the absence of hard evidence, we'll go ahead and mark it as a poor pass (the only one, really, on the evening from Maiava). Meanwhile, Defense was hardly the Hero for SC. Akili Arnold's interception came on a perfect touchdown strike from A&M QB Marcel Reed - that went through the Aggies receiver's hands to riccochet off his face-mask. Just before SC went ahead, the Trojans D lucked out when A&M missed a 39-yard FG. And finally, of course, SC's defense allowed A&M to retake the lead the with 1:49 left to play.

[@imeldajimenez850]

Just because we barely won this game we should not stop looking at all the issues our team has. Let’s not forget so we can look at improvements that can make this team better. Fight On ✌️!

[@billcurtis5668]

Can Jaden learn from his mistakes and make the necessary improvements?

[@nan5715]

Where are all the maiava guys?

[@anthonyhamilton7671]

That’s what I want to know. And for the record, Jayden IS NOT a running QB. So if he’s not a running QB, what is his advantage?

[@nan5715]

@@anthonyhamilton7671I know, I heard a lot of he can run the rpo, where?

[@marcusnelson1465]

Lucus was out as well. We don't need to bring in edge rushers if both the DT and as well the other interior players are. LB, at least two. OL at least two. Dacarlos is coming back.

[@Lugs-d9t]

It's not heart, guys. It's the preparation. The team is not ready to rumble. Riley needs to change that. Of course, we'll never know because we can't watch practice. Just a shitty approach for everyone.

[@alanfrechman3104]

Jayden is not a good quarterback; Miller was much better.

[@marcusnelson1465]

The 3 RB that we have are enough period. Using Fair with Lemon, Lane, and the incoming freshman, along with Xavier, will be more than enough

[@edmartinez613]

Defense was good. Much improved. But Lynn's prevent defense strategies lost leads very late in 4 games that were lost.corners really were out of position giving up too much space over and over until the games were lost.

[@JackSmith-qi7dr]

D’Anton was amazing this year. He fielded a competitive defense with smoke and mirrors.

[@Jaime-u5m]

@@JackSmith-qi7dr Absolutely! can't wait to see what he does with the new toys coming in. Nonstop pressure is coming from the front 4.

[@wcfenderson5609]

@@edmartinez613 To help the DBs, The defense needs more pressure and more sacks on the QB. That’s been part of the problem. Once that happens more often, they will be elite. I’m hoping the new transfer DT’s can provide that, and the current front 7 continues to get stronger in the weight room, like last year. I still was impressed, but it was the offense and play calling that held us up. ✌🏾✌🏾✌🏾

[@dman29990]

Man the trojans should hire me to handle the clock I couldn't be any worst than l.r. I think I know when to call timeout.

[@walkerlamer]

Chris T with great perspective on where the Trojans are and what's next! ✌✌✌

[@alfredmayes5005]

C’mon guys, that’s what you get with Maiava, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise or shock. He’s a guy that might lose you two or three games because he forces throws and hasn’t fully learned how to put touches on his throws or put air under them. So the only way to win with a guy like him under center is to run the ball 40-45 times and throw it only 25 times, maybe 30 on a good day. Plus, you need a good offensive line and a defense that can make stops or cause turnovers. I don’t feel confident with him under center, I’ll be quite honest with you.

[@nan5715]

Conor squeezing out a positive of maiava 😂

[@papiofisher]

Defense, defense win championship

[@Jaime-u5m]

Defense brought their lunch box, much like all season. Arrival of 2 big inside dogs will take D to the next level.

[@brianjacob8728]

special teams coach. not the current "named" ST coach. Someone who actually knows STs.

[@RJ_Focused]

USC should bring a QB in to compete. Also, staff need to work with Jayden during the offseason.

[@specgoody]

You can have big takeaways from this game. Whoever is on the field signed up to play. Sc won.

[@avs9800]

USC Football makes me drink

[@anthonyhamilton7671]

No way LR goes into next season with a question mark at QB. Jayden will not be QB 1 next year unless LR has no other choice.

[@TrojanCondor]

Kyle is a Trojan for life!✌️✌️✌️

[@frunkdup828]

They all are - once a Trojan ALWAYS a Trojan ✌️

[@brianjacob8728]

a real coach turns this into a defense/run first team to be successful. Any guess that riley will actually do this? this is why he's a fraud.

[@jaspersmith1182]

Maiava must cut down the turnovers if USC wants to get where we want......competing and winning NCs. The volatility is okay for a 7-5 type program.

[@roderickforeman7917]

The Lord moves in mysterious ways! C’mon y’all the cream rises to the top always. The starting receivers should be the starting receivers and tailbacks for next season. The defense did their thing! …to the DC thank you, thank you very much…Fight On

[@rickreese5794]

Absolutely Right ✌🏻✌🏻

[@DylanInAlbuquerque]

cure to negative connor is drunk connor!

[@Evanelkgrove]

Conner’s not drunk… he only had 5 beers…and spent last night at the casinos. What happens in Vegas……

[@dman29990]

Yea he looks out of it maybe the emotions of the last quarter drained him.

[@uscfootball4life3]

Connor the RB room is not thin wtf are u talking about B Jack Peterson Transfer Two freshman The RB room is solid Sometimes u talk too much

[@teeweez8200]

Conner wants a new team including coach and support staff . Even the janitor needs depth let him tell it lol

[@richflores9207]

New nickname: L&L NIL it, you're welcome ✌️

[@MalibuTrojan]

Fight On ✌️

[@joanlevis7857]

9-3 team? Are you kidding me? We want to be a perennial CFP team. Let's Goooooo! If USC wants to invest money in our football team, we will get there. If the administration does not make the investment, hire a top-notch GM, you will be right. We will be in the middle of the pack. I hope USC wants to continue its tradition of excellence and national championship teams and competing at that level.

[@rickreese5794]

Fight On ✌🏻✌🏻

[@adrianluevano2936]

Sounds like Connor was hoping the team lost so he can rip them they both sound disappointed USC won

[@demeadowsable]

Disagree 1,000%^2 - We hear what we listen for

[@jerryjohnson9557]

bad ref calls made win the rush game worked until coach made calls

[@JohnDoe-xu2vx]

You dont win many games with 3 INT's

[@SportZFan4L1fe]

Maiava would be better playing QB for the service academies. He's NOT a USC caliber QB.

[@patdfig5]

Connor is high

[@Scarlet01812]

I have better analysis. Bowl games are fun. Goodnight

[@Fattbank]

Ryan should cape up paying Program Killa 12M per yr for two minor bowl wins👎

[@BamsCam226]

🍻 Connor 😂✌🏼

[@XGem-t3v]

USC season= F- USC Going 2-0 against the SEC/NCAA A+++

[@frunkdup828]

How do you get an F- with two A’s against the SEC?

[@mil-ns3rc]

Either your a fan or I guess not, win or lose always a USC fan. FIGHT ON ✌️

[@richardthelionheart5594]

FIX. FIX FIX FIX

[@TrojanCondor]

Kyle is a Trojan for life!✌️✌️✌️maiava is not the answer.

[@mil-ns3rc]

He answered when he had to

[@TonyUSC]

Soft take. Hit rhe portal ASAP. Lets get a legit QB period.

[@Contramundum429]

A good win considering all the opt outs. We did beat an SEC white trash riff-raff type team but I’ll take it.

[@rickreese5794]

Landman 😊 ✌🏻✌🏻

[@Michael-c4r3c]

I saw all I needed to see from Maiava this season. This game proved to me he's the starter next season. Most QBs don't come back after 3 ints. But he was mentally tough down the stretch and made big time plays. That's the difference between Maiava and Moss. Maiava still has a high ceiling. He'll learn from mistakes and will only get better. He doesn't fold and embodies the Fight On spirit

[@DPMixing]

You’re crazy. His play is way too sporadic. One good final drive doesn’t make up for 3 quarters of head scratching plays. Miller Moss should have been the lesson that you don’t extrapolate too much out of a bowl game performance going into another season. USC needs to bring in a veteran QB in the portal. Make it a fair QB comp and let whoever wins start. Then if one guy underperforms like this year you have the safety net of going back to the other QB midseason. QB is way too important a position to just turn the reigns over to an inconsistent, albeit talented, 3rd year guy that flashes potential but also some very bad decision making.

[@DontbeahaterbeaHatton]

6 ints in 4 games is all you needed to see? Plus, it's extremely inconsistent. Has room to grow, yes. But man, there's a lot to be improved on.

[@greg7964]

This sounds like a repeat of last year with Moss in the bowl game. Did Moss get better? No so what makes me think Jaiden will improve when he is inconsistent

[@Therealstrikeforce]

Dude ain’t it.

[@Jaime-u5m]

@@DPMixing I have to agree with your assessment, he could have had 2 more interceptions.