The highly anticipated clash between No. 13 LSU Tigers and No. 23 USC Trojans on Sunday, September 1st, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas is set to electrify the college football landscape. Both teams enter this neutral-site season opener with significant storylines and a history dating back four decades.
The Trojans, who boast an impressive 99-24-8 record in season openers, face their first neutral-site opener since 2016, when they suffered a crushing defeat against Alabama. LSU, on the other hand, is eager to break a two-year streak of neutral-site season-opening losses, making this game a pivotal moment for both programs.
LSU’s offense, despite losing key talents like Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels and NFL-bound wide receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas, remains formidable. Junior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier steps into the spotlight, aiming to build on his breakout performance in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
With a strong offensive line anchored by potential first-round draft picks Will Campbell and Emory Jones, and a deep running back rotation led by senior Josh Williams, the Tigers are poised to challenge USC’s defense. The wide receiver corps, though retooled, still features playmakers like senior Kyren Lacy and Liberty transfer CJ Daniels, providing Nussmeier with reliable targets.
USC, under head coach Lincoln Riley, faces its own set of challenges with a largely revamped offense. The departure of Heisman-winning quarterback Caleb Williams and other key players has left the Trojans with big shoes to fill. Redshirt junior quarterback Miller Moss, who shined in the Holiday Bowl, is expected to lead the offense.
However, the success of USC’s offense will hinge on the performance of a retooled offensive line and the emergence of new skill players like sophomore wide receivers Zachariah Branch and Duce Robinson. The addition of Mississippi State transfer Woody Marks at running back adds a dynamic element to USC’s ground game.
Defensively, both teams have something to prove. LSU’s new defensive coordinator Baker, known for his success at Missouri, faces the daunting task of revamping a unit that struggled mightily in 2023. The Tigers will rely heavily on their experienced linebackers, Greg Penn III and Harold Perkins Jr., to set the tone.
Meanwhile, USC’s defense, bolstered by key transfers and a new coaching staff led by D’Anton Lynn, must find a way to contain LSU’s balanced offensive attack. With both teams eager to make a statement in this early-season showdown, fans can expect a hard-fought battle that could set the tone for the rest of the season.
