LSU vs. USC score, takeaways: Trojans outduel Tigers in Las Vegas with go-ahead TD in final seconds

Trojans QB Miler Moss was exceptional, but Woody Marks' touchdown run was the difference

No. 23 USC opened its 2024 season with a thrilling 27-20 win against No. 13 LSU Sunday night in Las Vegas thanks to a 13-yard go-ahead touchdown run from Trojans running back Woody Marks in the game's final seconds. The back-and-forth game featured plenty of notable moments in the passing game from both sides, but it was Marks' second touchdown of the night on the ground that ended up being the difference in an otherwise even game. 

LSU had one final chance with eight seconds remaining, but Garrett Nussmeier's pass sailed pass tight end Mason Taylor and into the hands of USC linebacker Mason Cobb for the quarterback's only real mistake of the evening. 

The Trojans have now won their last eight season openers in a row and are 2-0 under new starting quarterback Miller Moss, who turned into a phenomenal 378-yard performance through the air to outduel Nussmeier and the Tigers. 

LSU, meanwhile, is now 0-5 in season openers since 2020. The Tigers are also 1-5 in their last six games against AP Top 25 opponents.

CBS Sports was here every step of the way on Sunday with live updates, highlights and analysis. Read on below for more takeaways from the game. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 11:43 pm ET · Will Backus]

Coaching mishaps mount in second half 

Chalk it up to being the first game of the season, but both coaches made some questionable clock decisions late in the game. LSU's may have proven to be the most disastrous. 

The Tigers got the ball back with 8:38 left in the fourth quarter and a 17-13 lead. After a loss of 5 yards and a gain of 14 on second-and-15, LSU hurried to the line to try and convert the third down. Not a bad idea, in a vacuum, but LSU would have been wise to take its time and chew up some more clock. The Tigers failed to convert on an inside zone and ended up punting the ball away after taking up less than two minutes of game time. 

USC went on to score its go-ahead touchdown on the next drive. But the Trojans' win doesn't erase the fact that Lincoln Riley made some curious decisions as well.  

It didn't end up hurting his team in the end, but Riley used up two of his three second-half timeouts in the span of less than a minute early in the fourth quarter. The Trojans took a timeout before a third-and-6, didn't get the first down, took another timeout after initially lining up to go for it on fourth down and then failed the fourth-down conversion anyway. The Trojans also bungled the end of the first half, an issue compounded by the fact that kicker Michael Lantz missed a 29-yard field goal after USC ran out of time to try for anything more. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 11:35 pm ET · Will Backus]

LSU still has a deep stable of wide receivers 

LSU lost two wide receivers to the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft and have had at least one wideout drafted in three out of the last four years. And yet the Tigers still look like they will have one of the nation's top units at the position. 

Kyren Lacy, who had a solid 2023 season but was expected to take on a feature role in LSU's offense, excelled as a No. 1 target. He tied to lead all receivers with seven catches on a game-high 10 targets and turned that into 94 yards and one touchdown. He displayed great body control on that 19-yard touchdown catch, leaping over a USC defender and dragging both feet in bounds to leave no doubt. 

But he wasn't the only receiver to flash for the Tigers. Tight end Mason Taylor was an excellent safety valve with his seven catches for 62 yards, and Aaron Anderson had a 13-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to give the Tigers their first lead of the game. Four different LSU players had at least three catches and three finished with at least 50 yards on the night. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 11:23 pm ET · Will Backus]

New quarterbacks excel in the spotlight

Both USC's Miller Moss and LSU's Garrett Nussmeier faced tremendous pressure entering Sunday night's game, with no less a job than replacing the last two Heisman Trophy winners at a pair of the most high-profile programs in the nation. They each passed their first test with flying marks. 

Nussmeier looked in complete control operating LSU's offense. He delivered the ball comfortably all over the field and made great use of the Tigers' deep pull of skill position players. If his first read wasn't there, he wasn't afrad to turn his eyes all over the field and look for another option. He finished with an impressive 304 yards and two touchdowns on 29 completions. 

While Moss may not be the pure playmaker that Caleb Williams was -- few quarterbacks truly are -- he showed great poise in the face of tremendous pressure. USC's offensive line had a lackluster game and often allowed LSU defenders to make it into the backfield with nothing more than a four-man front. The crowd inside Allegiant Stadium was also overwhelmingly in LSU's favor. 

Still, Miss never wilted from the moment and delivered with 378 yards passing and one touchdown. He even made some eye-popping throws with defenders bearing down on him. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 11:22 pm ET · Will Backus]

USC's new-look defense looks significantly improved 

USC made a significant change in the offseason, parting ways with longtime Lincoln Riley collaborator Alex Grinch and going across town to replace him with former UCLA defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn, whose Trojans debut went exceedingly well against a high-powered offense. 

USC did a lot of the fundamental stuff significantly better. The Trojans didn't have much trouble tackling, and besides some containment breaks in the second half largely kept LSU's running game in check. The Tigers averaged fewer than five yards per rush and only had two runs of 10-plus yards.

While LSU was able to hit on big passing plays, secondary breakdowns were less frequent for USC, and the Tigers didn't score a single touchdown from more than 20 yards away. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was cerebral, but the Trojans took away a lot of the over-the-top shots that the Tigers wanted to take. USC's defense came up with some timely stops, including its stand in the red zone near the end of the fourth quarter that forced LSU to kick a short game-tying field goal. 

A couple key numbers: this was the fewest points that USC allowed since Week 2 of the 2023 season, when it beat a 2-10 Nevada team. This was also the fewest points allowed against an AP-ranked team since 2019. 

There are some things to clean up. LSU was particularly effective using the middle of the field, and the Tigers were able to turn some underneath passes into decent chunk gains. But it's clear that Lynn has already made a huge impact on this unit. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 11:13 pm ET · Will Backus]

USC edges LSU with walk-off TD

Final: No. 23 USC 27, No. 13 LSU 20

Instead of kicking a game-winning field goal, USC just went for it all. Off the back of a phenomenal one-handed catch from wide receiver Kyron Hudson and an ensuing targeting call that put the ball inside LSU's 15-yard line, Trojans running back Woody Marks plunged through the middle of LSU's defensive line and powered his way into the end zone to put USC back in the lead. LSU likely let Marks score to preserve eight seconds and at least give the Tigers a chance for one shot at the end zone, but Garrett Nussmeier's pass was intercepted, allowing USC to walk away with the win. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 11:02 pm ET · Will Backus]

LSU ties it up 

Late 4Q: No. 13 LSU 20, No. 23 USC 20 

Buckle up. The Vegas Kickoff Classic is going to come down the last possession. LSU worked the ball to USC's 16-yard line but the drive stalled there, leading to a 31-yard field goal from kicker Damian Ramos. It was another key stop for a Trojans defense that has made plenty of timely plays on Sunday night. 

It's Miller Time for USC. He's had ice in his veins for a majority of the night, but this will be the most pressure he's faced in his USC career. It will be fascinating to watch how the new starter responds. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 10:46 pm ET · Will Backus]

USC cashes in big time on free play 

End 4Q: No. 23 USC 20, No. 13 LSU 13 

That's how you make use of a free play, USC. An LSU blitzer was drawn offsides trying to time up USC's snap, which gave the Trojans an opportunity to take an unfettered shot to the end zone. And since the Tigers brought a defensive back down to go after the quarterback, there wasn't a deep safety protecting the boundary for a touchdown shot. 

Trojans quarterback Miller Moss did a fantastic job diagnosing the situation and uncorked a deep ball to wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane, who was able to outrace the single man-to-man coverage and secure the pass for a crucial touchdown. That 28-yard strike gave USC the lead, and some crucial late momentum, back after it looked like the Trojans were on the precipice of crumbling. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 10:36 pm ET · Will Backus]

Poor sequencing sinks USC's promising drive 

Mid 4Q: No. 13 LSU 17, No. 23 USC 13 

USC had a promising drive going midway through the fourth quarter, looking to at least cut into LSU's lead, but some poor sequencing and weird clock management sunk the Trojans' chances. Facing third-and-6 from LSU's 33-yard line, USC took a timeout to compose itself. Out of the break, the Trojans decided to run a simple handoff to Woody Marks. He was caught in the backfield for a loss of three. The Trojans initially lined up to go for it on fourth-and-9 and burned some clock before calling another timeout. On the ensuing conversion attempt, quarterback Miller Moss' pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage and nearly tipped off. 

LSU was called for an unsportsmanlike penalty, which back the ball up 15 yards to its own 21-yard line. Still, the Tigers have a good opportunity to slam the door on this one. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 10:30 pm ET · Will Backus]

Moss thriving under pressure 

Both quarterbacks have had a great night, but USC's Miller Moss is making some tremendous throws under pressure. LSU hasn't had a ton of trouble getting after Moss. The Tigers have two sacks and have generally done a good job of getting in the backfield by just rushing four. It hasn't gotten in Moss' head, though. He just made an excellent throw to wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane, threading the ball between two defenders as a pass-rusher closed in on him. Moss didn't have a chance to set his feet and make the throw. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 10:15 pm ET · Will Backus]

Momentum building for LSU 

End 3Q: No. 13 LSU 17, No. 23 USC 13 

After a back-and-forth first half, it feels like LSU is starting to pull away with this one. The Tigers' defense buckled down in the third quarter, stopping USC in the red zone and forcing the Trojans to kick a field goal, and the run game is starting to work for Brian Kelly's squad. LSU turned to senior running back John Emery Jr. on its second drive in the third quarter and the move seems to have really paid off. 

Emery had four rushes for 58 yards, including 52 yards on the drive when LSU scored its go-ahead touchdown. He also caught one pass for 10 yards to convert a second down to end the third quarter. The Tigers have a chance to blow this one open when the fourth quarter starts, though USC's offense -- if the past is any indication, at least -- is capable of scoring at a moment's notice. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 10:09 pm ET · Will Backus]

LSU takes its first lead of the game 

Late 3Q: No. 13 LSU 17, No. 23 USC 13 

LSU is starting to capitalize on USC's red zone struggles. The Tigers just drove down the field to take their first lead of the game, courtesy of a 13-yard touchdown pass from Garrett Nussmeier. Nussmeier hit wide receiver Aaron Anderson on a short 5-yard flat and he turned it up the field and did the rest. 

An encouraging sign for LSU on that touchdown-scoring drive is the fact that it ran the ball well. Senior running back John Emery Jr. got his first meaningful action of the game and turned in three rushes for 52 yards, including one 39-yard scamper. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 9:59 pm ET · Will Backus]

Another USC red zone trip ends in a field goal 

Mid 3Q: No. 23 USC 13, No. 13 LSU 10 

USC isn't struggling to move the ball, but it has had problems finishing drives. The Trojans did open the second-half scoring with a 35-year old field goal from Michael Lantz, who did a good job to shake off the 29-yard miss to end the first half. But USC has left a lot of points on the table tonight. 

The Trojans are 3 for 4 in red zone attempts, with two field goals and one missed field goal. They were forced into a field goal on this latest drive as the result of a sack from LSU edge rusher Sai'vion Jones, who bullied USC's right tackle. It's nice to get points, but USC is going to need to turn some of these opportunities into touchdowns with how LSU's offense is starting to click. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 9:46 pm ET · Will Backus]

Defensive battle to start the second half 

USC and LSU traded three-and-outs to open the second half as both new defenses continue to make an impression. Both teams tried to establish the run -- something that they tried to do, unsuccessfully, throughout the first half -- to little effect. The Tigers and Trojans each gained 7 yards on two carries and tried to throw on third-and-short. They obviously failed to convert. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 9:31 pm ET · Will Backus]

USC's new defense working so far 

Though it wasn't a perfect first half for the Trojans and new defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn, but it's not hard to see the improvement thus far. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has 191 yards through the air, but LSU hasn't hit on a ton of truly explosive plays. The Tigers' longest pass thus far was a 26-yard completion to wide receiver Kyren Lacy that led to their game-tying field goal. The lack of explosive plays is an encouraging sign for a USC defense that allowed way too many of them under Alex Grinch. 

The Trojans' run defense has been fairly lock-down, as well. LSU finished the first half with just 46 total yards rushing on 3.5 yards per carry. The Tigers only had one run of 10-plus yards over the first 30 minutes, as USC has also done a much better job of tackling on first contact and not allowing a ton of extra yards. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 9:06 pm ET · Will Backus]

LSU draws even 

Late 2Q: No. 13 LSU 10, No. 23 USC 10 

Each team is keeping pace in this one so far. LSU just matched USC's field goal with one of its own, though the Tigers' came from a greater distance. LSU's drive stalled a bit once it reached USC territory and Brian Kelly's squad decided to settle for a 45-yard field goal from kicker Damian Ramos. 

This is a big opportunity for USC. The Trojans have 1:08 and three timeouts to drive down the field and pull ahead again. Then they'll get the ball to start the second half, which obviously affords USC an opportunity to open a two-possession lead. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 9:00 pm ET · Will Backus]

LSU driving at the 2-minute timeout 

It's not called a warning in college football, apparently. But the Tigers are putting themselves in a position to at least tie the game entering halftime, which would be important considering that USC starts the second half with the ball. A few nice passes from quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to wide receiver Kyren Lacy, including one for 26 yards, will give LSU the ball at USC's 32-yard line once the 2-minute timeout ends. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 8:57 pm ET · Will Backus]

USC settles for the field goal 

Late 2Q: No. 23 USC 10, No. 13 LSU 7 

USC sophomore Zachariah Branch is starting to show why he was the No. 1 wide receiver in the Class of 2023. The electric playmaker almost housed a kickoff -- credit to LSU kicker Aeron Burrell for making the touchdown-saving tackle -- and then featured heavily in the ensuing drive. When the Trojans were stuck with second-and-goal from LSU's 24-yard line, thanks to an illegal blocking penalty on wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane and a strip-sack of quarterback Miller Moss, USC ran a tunnel screen to Branch, who spun away from defenders and moved the ball to the 5-yard line. 

The Trojans very nearly got a touchdown out of it, but LSU cornerback Ashton Stamps made a nice play to bat the ball out of Kyron Hudson's hands before he could maintain possession in-bounds. Instead, the Trojans had to tack onto their lead with a 22-yard field goal. Seems smart to take the points in a game that should be filled with them. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 8:39 pm ET · Will Backus]

LSU answers with explosive touchdown 

Mid 2Q: No. 13 LSU 7, No. 23 USC 7 

Let the deluge begin. LSU didn't take long to answer USC's opening score and did so in impressive fashion. Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier lofted a ball to the left side of the end zone, where wide receiver Kyren Lacy went up and out-jumped a USC defensive back to snag the ball from the air and come down for the score. 

He also managed to get both feet down. NFL scouts take note. Nussmeier is having a fantastic game, and his connection with Lacy is a big reason why. The veteran duo have combined on five passes for 60 yards and the 19-yard touchdown. Nussmeier is 16 of 19 for 148 yards. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 8:29 pm ET · Will Backus]

USC strikes first 

Early 2Q: No. 23 USC 7, No. 13 LSU 0 

Maybe Kyron Hudson's absurd catch was the spark that USC's offense needed to get going. The Trojans parlayed that, and a defensive pass interference call in the end zone, to score the game's first touchdown. Running back Woody Marks plunged through the middle of LSU's defense from two yards out to give his team the early lead and break the seal on scoring. 

We already gave LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier some flowers, but new USC gunslinger Miller Moss looks equally impressive. He has completed seven of his first eight passes for 80 yards. He also deserves credit for a great throw on Hudson's catch, putting it in a position where only the wide receiver could make a play on it. Moss has also connected well with Trojans tight end Lake McRee, who has 25 yards thus far. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 8:24 pm ET · Will Backus]

USC with the catch of the year?

Shut the competition down right now. No one is going to do it better than wide receiver Kyron Hudson. The junior just snagged a one-handed catch that would make Odell Beckham Jr. blush to give this defensive battle some excitement. Hudson soared into the air, snatched the ball over two defenders with one hand and batted it into his own grasp as the Tigers defensive backs did their best to break up the pass. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 8:13 pm ET · Will Backus]

Defenses have the edge so far

End 1Q: No. 13 LSU 0, No. 23 USC 0 

This isn't the fireworks show that most expected thus far. Both defensive units are flying all over the field. As a result, we are in a scoreless tie after one quarter. 

LSU had the best opportunity to score, moving the ball all the way to USC's 3-yard line. But the Tigers tried to go for it instead of taking the easy field goal and came up empty. Though scoring production hasn't followed, LSU signal-caller Garrett Nussmeier does look solid thus far. He completed 10 of his 12 first-quarter pass attempts for 81 yards, 41 of which went to standout wide receiver Kyren Lacy. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 8:06 pm ET · Will Backus]

Defenses leaving a mark 

The over seemed like a safe bet in this game, but it's the defenses that have made the biggest impression through two drives. USC bent but didn't break, holding firm on fourth-and-goal from its own 3-yard line to turn the ball over. Then, after allowing 17 yards in two plays, LSU forced a third-and-2 and swarmed into the backfield to bring Trojans running back Woody Marks down for a loss of a yard. Still plenty of time for the offenses to get going, but so far, so good for each team's new-look defense. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 7:58 pm ET · Will Backus]

LSU comes up short

Knowing that this one will likely develop into a shootout, LSU's coaching staff is rolling the dice early in Las Vegas. After converting on fourth-and-short earlier in their opening drive, the Tigers decided to try and convert on fourth-and-goal from USC's 3-yard line. LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier came under immediate pressure and lofted the ball out of the end zone to turn the ball over on downs. The good news for LSU is that it was able to move the ball well and Nussmeier looked comfortable. He had a nice connection with star wide receiver Kyren Lacy, who caught four passes for 41 yards. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 7:47 pm ET · Will Backus]

LSU to open with the ball 

LSU will get things started on offense from Las Vegas. New Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier takes center stage, tasked with replacing 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. Nussmeier, a Class of 2021 signee, has waited patiently for his opportunity to lead LSU's offense. It'll also be interesting to see what kind of tone USC's defense sets in its first drive under defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 7:15 pm ET · Will Backus]

LSU vs. USC prediction 

Given how Moss and Nussmeier performed in their respective bowl games last season, both should hit the ground running as full-time starters. It helps that USC and LSU are perpetually stacked at the skill talent positions, with plenty of flashy weapons to help smooth the transition over. The Tigers, in particular, are also buoyed by one of the nation's best offensive lines. And there's a reason that each team decided to make a change at defensive coordinator: both of these defenses were really bad last season. While it may not take long for the new quarterbacks to acclimate, it could be at least a few games before each new defensive coordinator is able to seamlessly implement their game plans. All this to say, expect a lot of points to be scored. Pick: Over 64.5 

USC vs. LSU live stream, where to watch, TV channel, prediction, pick, spread, football game odds

Will Backus

[Sep 1, 2024 at 7:00 pm ET · Matt Zenitz]

Another USC WR poised to breakout 

Replacing Caleb Williams won't be easy, but one of the benefits for new USC starting quarterback Miller Moss is that he'll be far from devoid of talent at wide receiver. And that goes beyond just Zachariah Branch.

Another Trojans receiver that may soon be a household name: Fellow sophomore Ja'Kobi Lane. Keep an eye on Lane on Sunday night against an LSU secondary that is not up to its standard. 

The 6-foot-4, 195-pound Lane, a four-star recruit, has been so impressive behind the scenes at USC this offseason that Trojans sources have compared him at times skill set-wise to players like former Cincinnati Bengals star AJ Green and ex-USC standout Drake London, who's posted 141 catches and 1,771 yards the last two years with the Atlanta Falcons after being selected by the Falcons with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

College football Week 1 insider's notebook: Michigan's QB battle too tight to call, big pressure on Miami

Matt Zenitz

[Sep 1, 2024 at 6:30 pm ET · Will Backus]

Big day for defense 

Defense, in a game featuring two teams that finished top-three in scoring offense a year ago? While one should realistically expect a lot of points, it's worth keeping an eye on both defenses. While the Trojans and Tigers were both elite at putting points on the board last year, they were just as bad at keeping other teams out of the end zone. So both decided to make a major change to the defensive side of the ball. USC parted ways with longtime Lincoln Riley collaborator Alex Grinch, while LSU decided to axe Matt House after one year. The Trojans went across town to hire D'Anton Lynn from UCLA and LSU replaced House with former Missouri DC Blake Baker. Both Lynn and Baker had top-40 units at their respective schools last year. 

[Sep 1, 2024 at 6:00 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Becoming a Lincoln Riley quarterback 

USC coach Lincoln Riley has a proven track record of developing elite quarterbacks, and getting Miller Moss up to speed as the full-time starter could be the difference in USC having success in its first season as a member of the Big Ten or falling behind in the largest league in college football. 

This will mark the first time under Riley that a starting quarterback will make his regular-season debut against a ranked opponent. Here's a look at how Riley's other quarterbacks fared in their regular-season debuts under his tutelage. 

Tracing Lincoln Riley's QB success stories in first regular-season starts as Miller Moss debuts vs. LSU

Cameron Salerno

[Sep 1, 2024 at 5:35 pm ET · Will Backus]

Replacing the last two Heisman winners 

It's not every day that we get to see a game between two teams that have to open their season by replacing a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback. For USC, the Trojans have to navigate without Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Tigers are turning to longtime backup Garrett Nussmeier to take the mantle from reigning Heisman winner Jayden Daniels, who was drafted right after Williams at No. 2 overall. It will be fascinating to watch USC's Miller Moss and Nussmeier operate with such lofty expectations hanging over this game.