The USC Trojans and LSU Tigers open their seasons Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN+). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s'lines around the USC vs. LSU odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
It’s a big night for USC football, as it officially kicks off as a member of the Big Ten Conference, although this isn’t a league game. It’s still a marquee game, and we’ll find out a lot about the Trojans in Vegas.
Coach Lincoln Riley must replace QB Caleb Williams, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Veteran QB Miller Moss started the Holiday Bowl, with William opting out, and he won the job in the spring and summer. UNLV transfer QB Jayden Maiava is waiting in the wings, in case of struggles or injury.
USC won 8 games last season, which was disappointing for a team considered as a CFP contender. But the defense was putrid, allowing 34.4 points per game (PPG), while ranking last in the Pac-12 in rush defense. The team turns to defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn to clean up departed DC Alex Grinch’s mess, but it will be easier said than done.