Eric Boggs 
One of the best catches of the season so far.
In a thrilling season opener, the No. 23 USC Trojans secured a dramatic 27-20 victory over No. 13 LSU in Las Vegas on Sunday night. USC running back Woody Marks powered into the end zone with just eight seconds remaining, delivering the game-winning touchdown and sealing the Trojans’ first big win of the season.
The decisive drive began with 1:47 left on the clock after LSU tied the game with a field goal from Damian Ramos. Despite having only one timeout, USC methodically marched down the field. Quarterback Miller Moss played a pivotal role, connecting with Kyron Hudson for a critical gain along the sideline with just 13 seconds remaining. A targeting penalty on LSU’s Jardin Gilbert during that play moved the ball inside the 20-yard line, setting the stage for Marks’ 14-yard touchdown run.
LSU had one final chance to respond, but quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was intercepted by Mason Cobb on the Tigers’ first play of the ensuing drive, ending their hopes of a comeback.
This loss marks LSU’s fifth consecutive Week 1 defeat, a surprising trend that began after their undefeated national championship season in 2019. Despite the loss, there were positives for LSU to take away from the game. Nussmeier impressed with a 29-of-38 passing performance, racking up 304 yards and two touchdowns. He demonstrated a strong connection with star receiver Kyren Lacy, who caught seven passes for 94 yards.
On the defensive side, LSU showed signs of improvement under new defensive coordinator Blake Baker. While the Tigers’ secondary still needs work, they held USC to just 69 rushing yards, though Moss did throw for 378 yards.
For USC, this victory was not just a win but a statement. The Trojans, who made a change at defensive coordinator by bringing in D’Anton Lynn from UCLA, showcased a much more physical and disciplined defense than in recent seasons. Although LSU managed 421 yards of total offense, USC’s defense looked solid, especially considering the question marks surrounding their transition to the Big Ten, where physicality is key.
Moss, who stepped in as the successor to 2022 Heisman winner Caleb Williams, completed passes to 10 different players and led his team with confidence. His performance, combined with the defensive effort, has USC fans dreaming of a potential College Football Playoff berth in their inaugural Big Ten season. The Trojans’ playoff hopes will be tested early, with upcoming games against Michigan, Wisconsin, and Penn State.
LSU’s struggles on the ground were particularly notable given their preseason confidence in their rushing attack. Despite left tackle Will Campbell’s assertion that the Tigers would run the ball effectively, they managed only 117 rushing yards on the night. USC’s defensive front, led by a strong performance from their linebackers, held firm, allowing just four runs of 10-plus yards.
USC head coach Lincoln Riley, who has faced criticism for his defenses in the past, praised his team’s physicality and discipline after the game. “We did a great job, I thought, condensing their run game and making it tough on them,” Riley said. “It was a physical battle, and we came out on top.”
With this win, USC not only starts their season on a high note but also sends a message about their readiness to compete at the highest level in their new conference. As for LSU, the Tigers will need to regroup quickly if they hope to stay in the playoff hunt, but with the expanded 12-team format, their journey is far from over.
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