USC Puts Down LSU in Its Epic 2024 Season Opener

© Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Ranked No. 23 in the Associate Press (AP) preseason poll, the USC Trojans (1-0 ) opened their season against the No. 13 LSU Tigers (0-1) on Sept. 1 in Las Vegas and came away with an epic 27-20 win. This highly anticipated matchup featured a clash between two college football titans, representing the two preeminent conferences in the sport—the Big Ten Conference and the Southeastern Conference.

The clash in Allegiant Stadium featured stars, including USC coach Lincoln Riley, LSU coach Brian Kelly and USC all-American wide receiver Zachariah Branch.

Game Summary

Spectacular plays led to the first two touchdowns of the game: On its way to the game's first TD, USC's Kyron Hudson made a circus catch that wowed the record crowd of 63,969. Leaping high in the air, he somehow caught a pass from quarterback Miller Moss, rotated around and fell to the ground while maintaining control of the ball. Shortly thereafter, running back Woody Marks ran in from 2 yards out for the game's first touchdown.

Exhibiting the heart of a champion, LSU responded with its own touchdown.

The stats in the first half were evenly matched as LSU amassed 237 total yards, while USC racked up 207. USC averaged 8 yards per play in the half, compared to LSU's 6.4. LSU ran 37 plays, to USC's 26.

LSU dominated time of possession in the first half, holding on to the ball for more than 19 minutes.

The teams went into halftime tied 10-10, after USC drove deep into LSU territory and Trojans placekicker Michael Lantz missed a chip shot.

The second half was different. USC's talented playmakers took over.

Wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane scored on a 28-yard pass reception from Moss early in the fourth quarter to vault the Trojans into a 20-17 lead. LSU responded with a drive culminating in a field goal to tie the score at 20-20. However, the Trojans struck back instantly, driving down the field, scoring on another Marks TD run before the expiration of the fourth quarter to take the lead 27-20.

From there, the Trojans held out, stopping the Tigers and hanging on for the narrow victory. SEC fans were left perplexed, as a Southern California squad proved physically dominant.

Upshot

If the Trojans keep up the solid play, a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff is possible.

Next up for the Trojans are the Utah State Aggies in a game scheduled for 11 p.m. EST on Sept. 7 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

The Tigers return to Baton Rouge, La. for their next game at 7:30 p.m. EST on Sept. 7 against the Nicholls Colonels.