Two powerhouse programs will kick off their season on Sunday night as the USC Trojans take
on the LSU Tigers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Ironically, both sides lost their starting
quarterbacks from last year as Caleb Williams was drafted first overall by the Bears and Jayden
Daniels went No. 2 to the Commanders. Both teams are ranked in the top-25 to begin the
season and the winner of this one likely moves up, while the loser could fall out of the AP Poll.
USC Trojans
The Trojans will play their first game as a member of the Big Ten after moving over from the
Pac-12. USC underwent big changes including losing QB Caleb Williams who went first overall
in the NFL draft. Now the keys belong to Miller Moss who was sensational in last year’s Holiday
Bowl throwing for six touchdowns and 372 yards. USC was red out last season winning six
straight before losing 5 of the last six and couldn’t do anything right on defense. The Trojans
surrendered 34 or more points in their final eight games and 28 or more points in 11 of their 13
games last season.
LSU Tigers
LSU is reloading at the quarterback position replacing Jayden Daniels with Garrett Nussmeier.
While the Tigers lost WR Malik Nabers, who was drafted sixth by the Giants, they still have a
handful of explosive receivers in Aaron Anderson, CJ Daniels, Chris Hilton, Kyren Lacy and
Zavion Thomas. And the offensive line is considered one of the better units in the SEC and that
should give Nussmeier opportunities to find his targets. LSU finished 10-3 in a tough SEC West
Division and will look to get off to a hot start in 2024. The offense should remain strong while
the defense is taking a step forward meaning expectations will be high in Baton Rouge.
Betting Odds
LSU -4.5 (-110)
USC +4.5 (-110)
Total: 64.5 (-110)
Recent Trends
LSU has won eight of its last nine games against non-conference opponents
USC has lost each of its last five games against AP-ranked teams
LSU has covered the spread in six of its last seven games as a favorite
USC has won each of its last seven season openers
LSU has lost five of its last seven season openers as a favorite
Series head-to-head
These programs have met twice with each school winning once. This will be the first meeting on
a neutral field. USC won 17-12 back in 1979 while LSU beat the Trojans 23-2 in 1984.