Helium Boys Podcast: USC’s thrilling Las Vegas Bowl comeback, bye to 2024 and a Trevino tattoo offer

Shotgun Spratling and Chris Trevino are back behind the microphones for another episode of the Helium Boys Podcast, a serious non-serious USC football podcast. The Helium Boys return to break down the Trojans' thrilling come-from-behind, last-second 35-31 victory over Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl and discuss the perpetual redesign of the Trojans' roster for the 2025 season.The episode opens with the Helium Boys staple 'Two-Minute Drill' that features Shotgun discussing the epic finish to Kyle Ford's collegiate career before Chris uses his 'Two-Minute Drill' to focus primarily on his love affair with the Pop Tarts Bowl. That leads to a discussion about the Helium Boys traveling to cover or at least attend the 2025 Pop Tarts Bowl with Chris making the declaration that he will get a Pop Tarts Bowl tattoo in exchange for VIP access/treatment from the Pop Tarts Bowl.Chris and Shotgun then dive into their Stock Up/Stock Down segment looking at the players and themes that saw their stock rise or dip after the bowl game, starting with what positive developments happen before the team traveled to Las Vegas as Kamari Ramsey and Emmanuel Pregnon announced their returns to the team. Ja'Kobi Lane's wild string of six consecutive receptions going for touchdowns is included as are fellow receivers Makai Lemon and Ford. USC's young offensive line gets its kudos as well.On the flip side, Shotgun and Chris discuss another up-and-down performance by quarterback Jayden Maiava as well as the confidence of and surrounding Maiava. Then Shotgun goes on a rant about Lincoln Riley's Renaissance Man attempts that have led him to be mediocre in areas he previously thrived. Some younger players that didn't get opportunities in the bowl game and the chance in receiver rotations are also featured.A discussion about the NCAA transfer portal and the impact of both the losses and acquisitions the Trojans have made since the portal opened leads to some puzzled worries from the podcast collaborators.After a break, the podcast duo answer your mailbag questions discussing the transfer portal as well as USC's searches for a linebacker coach and general manager. There are also questions about offseason momentum, offensive creativity and involvement of the tight end position. The Helium Boys also react to suggestions for the podcast for 2025 before the episode concludes with Chris quizzing Shotgun with some Take It or Leave Its about the Trojans and an Overtime period focused on New Year's Eve traditions.Please review, rate and subscribe to the Peristyle Podcast on Apple Podcasts!Make sure you check out USCFootball.com for complete coverage of this USC Trojans football and basketball teams. Check out The Peristyle Shop where you can order your Helium Boys merchandise to help support the podcasting duo.