USC upsets LSU in statement win: Highlights from Vegas Kickoff Classic
The start of the college football season saw an exciting penultimate entry on Sunday between No. 12 LSU and No. 23 USC in the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic.
USC upset LSU, 27-20, at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium on a game-winning drive executed by Trojans first-year starting quarterback Miller Moss — putting a cherry on top of what was a thrilling opening weekend of college football.
USC running back Woody Marks was the one who scored the winning touchdown, which came on a 13-yard carry up the middle with seconds left in the fourth quarter. Marks’ touchdown was set up by a 20-yard reception from Kyron Hudson and a 15-yard targeting penalty on LSU’s safety Jardin Gilbert.
Moss completed 27 of 36 passes for 378 yards and one touchdown. His counterpart, LSU starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, finished 29 of 38 for 304 yards and two touchdowns.
The 27-20 loss for LSU marks the third consecutive season it will open up the season 0-1 under Brian Kelly. The Tigers have not won their season opener since 2019, then coached by Ed Orgeron.
Watch LSU football vs USC live on Fubo (free trial)
With that, here are updates, highlights and scores from LSU vs. USC from Las Vegas:
LSU vs USC score updates
USC 27, LSU 20: Trojans upset No. 12 Tigers in Las Vegas
Lincoln Riley and USC will leave Las Vegas with a statement win as they upset No. 12 LSU 27-20 in the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic.
Trojans made big plays down the stretch as Miller Moss executed the two-minute drill. Woody Marks scored the game-winning touchdown for USC after LSU’s Jardin Gilbert was ejected from the game for targeting at the 18-second mark of the fourth quarter.
It is the third consecutive season that LSU will start 0-1 under Brian Kelly.
USC scores touchdown with eight seconds left
USC running back Woody Marks caps off a well-executed two-minute drill for the Trojans with a 13-yard rushing touchdown. USC leads LSU 27-20 with eight seconds to go.
LSU’s Jardin Gilbert ejected for targeting
LSU Jardin Gilbert was ejected from Sunday’s game after he was called for targeting after his hit on USC wide receiver Kyron Hudson. USC moves up to the LSU 13-yard line.
LSU ties game with field goal
After driving into the red zone, LSU can’t convert with a touchdown and is forced to kick the field goal. Damian Ramos hits the 31-yard field goal to tie the game at 20-20.
USC gets the ball back with 1:47 to go in the fourth quarter. Trojans only have one timeout left. Meanwhile, LSU still has all three timeouts remaining.
LSU driving in red zone at two-minute timeout
The Tigers are driving on offense after giving up a touchdown to the Trojans. Garrett Nussmeier was able to connect with Aaron Anderson for a 41-yard reception on a third-and-short play, while on the blitz, and then with Zavion Thomas to put LSU at the 16-yard line. Tigers moved up to the 13-yard line after a 3-yard carry from John Emery.
LSU currently trailing USC 20-17 at the two-minute timeout, which is a new addition to college football this season.
USC retakes lead on touchdown
Miller Moss throws a dime to wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane for a 28-yard touchdown reception on a free play. USC retakes the lead, 20-17, with 5:44 to go in the fourth quarter. Heck of a throw and execution by Moss. It is a three-play drive for 64 yards in 1:13 for the Trojans.
It is the first score by either time since the 11:27 mark of the third quarter.
LSU forced to punt
USC’s defense comes up with the stop on third-and-1, forcing LSU to punt. Both defenses have settled in here in the second half after both teams scored on their second drives in the third quarter.
USC turns it over on downs
LSU dials up the pressure once again and is rewarded as the Tigers’ defense gets the stop, forcing USC to turn it over on downs. LSU nearly came up with an interception after Sai’vion Jones bats away Miller Moss’ throw.
The Trojans had to burn their second timeout in a matter of plays prior to the fourth-down play because they couldn’t get substitutions in or hear the play call. The stadium is quite loud in Las Vegas with a heavy LSU presence. LSU takes the ball over leading 17-13 with 8:38 to go in Las Vegas.
LSU’s Da’Shawn Womack comes short of interception
Tigers blitz Miller Moss again and Da’Shawn Womack almost comes up with a big-time interception. Instead, he will just settle for a broken-up pass. USC has a third-and-6 on the LSU 33-yard line with 9:25 to go in the fourth quarter.
LSU forced to punt
LSU’s Josh Williams is tackled short of the first down, resulting in a three-and-out for the Tigers. USC takes over the ball on the 15-yard line.
Third quarter: LSU 17, USC 13
LSU takes 17-13 lead into fourth quarter
Fours up in Las Vegas as LSU takes a 17-13 lead into the fourth quarter vs. No. 23 USC. Garrett Nussmeier and the LSU offense have the ball on the 39-yard line to begin the quarter.
USC punts again
Trojans are forced to punt for the second time in the second half. USC was unable to overcome an unsportsmanlike penalty following the LSU extra point attempt. Three plays for three yards for USC on the drive.
Garrett Nussmeier connects with Aaron Anderson for touchdown
LSU takes its first lead of the night, 17-13, as Aaron Anderson reels in a 13-yard touchdown reception from Garrett Nussmeier.
Running back John Emery had the big play on the LSU scoring drive as he set up the touchdown with a 39-yard carry on the halfback counter play call, breaking through the USC defense. It was a seven-play drive for 78 yards for LSU in 3:25 minutes.
USC forced to take FG after Miller Moss sacked
Sai’vion Jones picks up his second sack of the night on Miller Moss to force USC to take a field goal. The field goal is good from Michael Lantz to give USC a 13-10 lead with 7:13 to go in the third quarter.
The big play on the drive came on a third-and-10 at the USC 35-yard line when Moss connected in the middle of the field with tight end Kyle Ford for a 41-yard reception. Ford broke late on the play and showed off some shiftiness after making the catch, resulting in a big play for the Trojans.
LSU also punts
Garrett Nussmeier’s pass to CJ Daniels comes up short of the first down, resulting in a three-and-out for LSU to begin the half as well. Both team’s offenses looking to regain their momentum from before halftime. USC takes over the ball at its own 23-yard line after the punt.
USC punts
It’s a three-and-out for USC to start the second half. LSU takes over the ball at its own 27-yard line after the punt. Tigers dialed up the pressure on third down against the Trojans to force the punt.
USC receives ball first
The Trojans will receive the ball first in the second half after LSU elected to receive the ball first. LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy leads all receivers in Sunday’s game with seven receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown.
First half: LSU 10, USC 10
Halftime stats
Here’s a look at team stats at the half between LSU and USC:
Total yards: LSU 237, USC 207
Passing yards: LSU 191, USC 176
Rushing yards: LSU 46, USC 31
First downs: LSU 14, USC 10
Penalties-yards: LSU 5-45, USC 1-15
Here’s a look at the quarterback comparison at halftime:
Garrett Nussmeier: 20-of-24 passing for 191 yards and a touchdown
Miller Moss: 13-of-16 passing for 176 yards
Michael Lantz misses FG, USC-LSU tied 10-10 at halftime
USC kicker Michael Lantz misses a 29-yard field goal wide right that would have given USC a 13-10 lead at the half. The big play that helped set up the field goal attempt was a 22-yard completion from Miller Moss to Lake McRee.
LSU ties game at 10-10 with 45-yard FG
LSU was unable to convert on third-and-10 for the first down, resulting in the Tigers sending out the field goal unit. Aeron Burrell makes the 45-yard field goal to tie the game at 10-10 with 1:08 to go until halftime.
USC forced to kick field goal, takes 10-7 lead
LSU cornerback Ashton Stamps saves a touchdown from happening as he breaks up the pass from Miller Moss that was nearly caught by a USC receiver. As a result, the Trojans are forced to kick the field goal and take the three points to retake the lead at 10-7.
Miller Moss sacked by LSU Sai’vion Jones
Sai’vion Jones finds the hole and sacks Miller Moss for 4-yard loss to push USC back to the LSU 24-yard line. Second-and-goal coming up.
Zachariah Branch nearly returned kickoff for a touchdown
Trojans return man Zachariah Branch nearly went the distance on the kickoff return from Tigers kicker Aeron Burrel. As Branch was approaching the 50-yard line, he stumbled and was tackled. If Branch went left, instead of right, he may have found himself in the end zone for six.
Kyren Lacy gets hit with an unsportsmanlike penalty
Shortly after reeling in a touchdown to tie the game at 7-7, the LSU wide receiver was given an unsportsmanlike penalty by the officials for his post-touchdown gesture toward a USC player.
Lacy has five receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown thus far tonight.
LSU ties it up with touchdown
Garrett Nussmeier leads the Tigers down the field for a game-tying touchdown. The first-year LSU starting quarterback lofted one up in the air and connected with wide receiver Kyren Lacy in the end zone to tie the game 7-7. Quite the response and execution from Nussmeier. The drive went nine plays for 75 yards in 3:56 minutes.
Woody Marks opens scoring for USC
USC running back Woody Marks puts the Trojans on the board first as he runs one in for a 2-yard rushing touchdown. PAT is good from Michael Lantz. USC now leads LSU 7-0 in the second quarter. The drive went eight plays for 87 yards in 3:49 off the clock for the Trojans.
USC’s Kyron Hudson makes big catch from Miller Moss
Trojans wide receiver Kyron Hudson made an unreal catch in the air from Miller Moss to set up a red zone drive for USC in the second quarter. It’s a 24-yard reception for Hudson.
First Quarter: LSU 0, USC 0
Pregame
LSU-USC blacked out on DirecTV
Tonight’s LSU-USC is unavailable for DirectTV users due to a blackout. You can watch the game on ESPN+ with this link here. Click here to read more on the blackout.
No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels at LSU-USC game
Former LSU Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels is in attendance of the top-25 matchup.
LSU’s Will Campbell wears shirt to honor late cousin
LSU posted a photo on X (formerly Twitter) of star offensive lineman Will Campbell wearing a special shirt during warmups tonight in Las Vegas as he continues to honor his late cousin Tarver Braddock.
Braddock passed away in January of this past year.
Brian Kelly has arrived
LSU coach Brian Kelly has arrived at the stadium for Sunday’s opener vs. USC. Kelly is 20-7 overall in two seasons in Baton Rouge and has led the Tigers to back-to-back bowl games.
LSU’s Chris Hilton is not dressed in warmups
The Advertiser’s Cory Diaz has noted that LSU wide receiver Chris Hilton (bone bruise) is not expected to play in Sunday’s game vs. USC. Hilton is currently on the field participating in warm-ups in street clothes. A big loss to the Tigers’ offense.
Notable changes to LSU depth chart
The Advertiser’s Cory Diaz has noted the following changes to the depth chart for the Tigers, with Chris Hilton listed at X. Ahmad Breaux is listed behind Jacobian Guillory at DT. Javien Toviano is behind Major Burns at the star position
USC announces captains vs LSU
USC QB Miller Moss has arrived
Kickoff less than three hours away for LSU-USC
Here’s a look at the playing field in Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium for the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic. Tigers-Trojans is the third game of Week 1 between top-25 teams, the others being No. 1 Georgia vs. No. 14 Clemson and No. 7 Notre Dame at No. 20 Texas A&M.
USC drops hype video
Here’s the hype video USC released earlier this morning. The video has received quite a positive reaction on social media from those within college football.
LSU vs USC ‘College GameDay’ picks
Here are the picks made by ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ crew and guest picker Johnny Manziel on Saturday for Sunday night’s LSU vs. USC game:
Desmond Howard: LSU
Lee Corso: LSU
Pat McAfee: USC
Nick Saban: LSU
Johnny Manziel: LSU
Kirk Herbstreit: Did not pick (calling game)
LSU vs USC time today
Date: Sunday, Sept. 1
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas)
The Tigers and Trojans will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET inside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday, Sept. 1.
What channel is LSU vs USC game on today?
TV channel: ABC
Streaming: ESPN+ | Fubo (free trial)
LSU and USC will be broadcast nationally on ABC. ‘College GameDay’ host Rece Davis (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst) and Holly Rowe (sideline reporter) will have the call from Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium, the home of the Las Vegas Raiders.
You can stream the game on ESPN+, ESPN’s streaming platform, or on Fubo, which carries ABC and the ESPN family of networks and offers a free trial to select users.
LSU vs USC history
Series record: Tied, 1-1
LSU’s last win: 1984 (23-3)
USC’s last win: 1979 (17-12)
LSU vs USC predictions
‘LSU’s opening game will be an ugly one. Both teams are breaking in new QBs, who’ll throw interceptions but it’ll be Nussmeier that guides the Tigers down the field a late, go ahead score.‘
‘It’s a battle of beleaguered defenses, and LSU is trying to avoid a loss in the season opener for the fifth straight season. The Trojans are closer to home here, and Lincoln Riley can prove the hire of defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn right here. This is the Trojans’ first matchup against an SEC opponent since the 52-6 loss to Alabama at Jerry World on Sept. 3, 2016 – a game now best-known for USC’s ill-fated entrance to the field. Garrett Nussmeier delivers in the clutch for the Tigers in a back-and-forth thriller that Brian Kelly is now accustomed to.’
LSU vs USC betting odds
Spread: LSU -4
Over/under: 66.5
Money line: LSU (-185) | USC (+150)
LSU vs USC injury updates
LSU: WR Chris Hilton (Questionable) and OL Miles Frazier (Probable)
USC: N/A
LSU vs USC weather updates
Note: Allegiant Stadium is a closed-dome stadium.
LSU football schedule 2024
Here’s a full look at the Tigers’ 2024 schedule, including available start times and TV channel information:
All times Eastern
Sunday, Sept. 1: vs. No. 23 USC (Las Vegas) | 7:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo) and ESPN+
Saturday, Sept. 7: vs. Nicholls | 7:30 p.m. | SEC Network+ (ESPN+)
Saturday, Sept. 14: at South Carolina * | Noon | ABC (Fubo) and ESPN+
Saturday, Sept. 21: vs. UCLA
Saturday, Sept. 28: vs. South Alabama | 7:45 p.m. | SEC Network (Fubo)
Saturday, Oct. 5: BYE
Saturday, Oct. 12: vs. No. 6 Ole Miss *
Saturday, Oct. 19: at Arkansas *
Saturday, Oct. 26: at No. 20 Texas A&M *
Saturday, Nov. 2: BYE
Saturday, Nov. 9: vs. No. 5 Alabama *
Saturday, Nov. 16: at Florida *
Saturday, Nov. 23: vs. Vanderbilt *
Friday, Nov. 29: vs. No. 16 Oklahoma *
* denotes SEC game
Buy tickets to LSU football at StubHub
USC football schedule 2024
Here’s a full look at the Trojans’ 2024 schedule, including available start times and TV channel information:
All times Eastern.
Sunday, Sept. 1: vs. No. 12 LSU (Las Vegas) | 7:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo) and ESPN+
Saturday, Sept. 7: vs. Utah State | 11 p.m. | Big Ten Network (Fubo)
Saturday, Sept. 14: BYE
Saturday, Sept. 21: at No. 8 Michigan * | 3:30 p.m. | CBS (Fubo) and Paramount+
Saturday, Sept. 28: vs. Wisconsin *
Saturday, Oct. 5: at Minnesota *
Saturday, Oct. 12: vs. No. 9 Penn State *
Saturday, Oct. 19: at Maryland *
Saturday, Oct. 25: vs. Rutgers * | 11 p.m. | Fox (Fubo)
Saturday, Nov. 2: at Washington *
Saturday, Nov. 9: BYE
Saturday, Nov. 16: vs. Nebraska *
Saturday, Nov. 23: at UCLA *
Saturday, Nov. 30: vs. No. 7 Notre Dame
* denotes Big Ten game
Buy tickets to USC football at StubHub
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