USC vs. LSU Prediction, Picks & Odds, 9-1: Week 1

Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels are off to the NFL, but our USC vs. LSU prediction still expects plenty of points to be scored in Sin City.

Even with both teams losing Heisman winners at QB, the Trojans and Tigers are poised to be in the College Football Playoff odds race all season.

While both are ranked in the AP Top 25 poll, LSU is a 4-point favorite at our best college football betting sites for Sunday's game at 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC) from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

One of the most significant storylines of our Week 1 college football predictions is whether these program's new QBs can be Heisman Trophy odds contenders and keep the offenses humming.

Best USC vs. LSU picks

College football picks based on the odds from our best college football betting sites. Odds subject to change.

• Game pick: Over 64.5 (-111 via Betway) ????
• Game pick: LSU -4 (-111 via Betway) ???

USC vs. LSU prediction: Week 1

There are two key reasons why USC and LSU were in shootouts nearly every game last season. Both schools boasted superstar quarterbacks, and each team played defense like it was optional.

Both Lincoln Riley and Brian Kelly made the smart decision this offseason to hire new defensive coordinators. But I don't think that's going to change much for Week 1. Especially with how talented both offenses could be this year.

The Trojans were 105th in SP+ on defense last season, which makes the Tigers-who ranked 52nd-look like they field the '85 Bears defense. USC also ranked 121st in points allowed (34.4). Although the Trojans hired D'Anton Lynn as their new DC, there's so much turnover on their roster. The Trojans are 102nd in returning production on defense.

Replacing Heisman winners that went No. 1 and 2 in the NFL draft isn't easy, but both USC's Miller Moss and LSU's Garrett Nussmeier have seen the field before and looked good.

Nussmeier inherits an offense that was second in SP+ last year, and the unit features real talent at receiver with Kyren Lacy and Liberty transfer CJ Daniels. And it's not as if Nussmeier lacks experience. He's logged 1,720 passing yards and 11 TDs in his career.

It's a similar story for Moss, whom we saw in the Holiday Bowl last year. He's Riley's new starter after throwing six touchdowns in his lone start. His aggressiveness was on full display with three big-time throws, according to PFF.

Inserting Moss into an offense that was third in SP+ last year should lead to another top-notch offense for Riley. It should also lead to this Over cashing and paying a $9.01 profit on a $10 bet.

Best odds: -111 via Betway | Implied probability: 52.63%

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USC vs. LSU prediction: Week 1

These teams are similar on paper. There are explosive offenses with defenses that dragged the units down last season, and now each school needs to replace a Heisman winner at QB.

However, there's a lot more talent coming back for the Tigers than the Trojans. LSU is 60th in returning production while USC is just 99th, and Kelly's squad features the best offensive tackle duo in the country in Will Campbell and Emery Jones.

Those two will be able to keep Nussmeier clean and open holes for a run game with several productive backs. Maybe more importantly, for as bad as LSU's defense has been, a game wrecker in Harold Perkins Jr is the anchor.

With a better offensive line and front seven than USC, the Tigers should be able to cover. If they do, a $10 bet pays a $9.01 profit. 

Best odds: -111 via Betway | Implied probability: 52.63%

USC vs. LSU odds

See all of this week's college football odds and NCAAF scores.

USC vs. LSU game info

• When: Sunday, Sept. 1
• Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Where: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas)
• How to watch: ABC
• Weather: Indoors
• Favorite: LSU -4 (-111 via Betway)

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