LSU Tigers vs
USC TrojansPredictions & Preview

LSU Tigers Favored to Win Season Opener Against USC Trojans at Allegiant Stadium

The USC Trojans will begin their 2024 season at Allegiant Stadium against the LSU Tigers on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30 PM Eastern Time. LSU is favored to win, opening at -6 but the current line is LSU -4. Fans and bettors alike can anticipate an exciting matchup between these two college football powerhouses.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Tigers -190 | Trojans +165
• Spread: Tigers -4 (-110) | Trojans +4 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 64 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that LSU will win straight-up is 66%.

LSU vs USC Stats

LSU Tigers

LSU closed the season with a strong offense, averaging 43.3 points per game and over 530 yards. The loss of Heisman quarterback Daniels will require the offense to find production from quarterback Nussmeier. Sustaining high 3rd down and red zone conversion rates will be key this season, and improvements on the offensive line and potential favorite targets for Nussmeier could help. The rush attack will continue to open up big plays downfield. On the defensive end, LSU struggled last season allowing 29.5 points per game. They had difficulty getting off the field on 3rd downs and stopping opponents in the red zone. The run and pass defense both had vulnerabilities, with the secondary struggling while the pass rush found success in creating sacks. LSU is currently ranked 1 in offense, 80 in defense, and has a power ranking of 72. They are 0-0 this season.

USC Trojans Analysis

USC is looking to continue producing elite plays on offense under the leadership of Lincoln Riley, despite losing key players like Caleb Williams. The addition of tailback Woody Marks and the potential of quarterback Miller Moss working with a talented receiving corps could help the Trojans excel on the field. However, the defense struggled last season, allowing a high number of points per game and struggling in key areas like third down conversions and red zone defense. USC will need to improve defensively to compete effectively against LSU, as limiting the LSU offense will be crucial for success in the upcoming game. USC currently holds a power ranking of 12 and ranks third in offense, but struggles defensively, giving up an average of 34.38 points per game. LSU has gone 0-0 in their last three matchups against USC.

USC Defense Faces Uncertainties Against LSU's Formidable Defense

There are uncertainties surrounding the USC defense that merit consideration until they are convincingly addressed. Despite Coach Riley's ability to devise dynamic offensive strategies, the lack of experience at quarterback and among the wide receivers will present a formidable challenge when facing the formidable LSU defense. As evidenced by their strong sack rate in the past season, the Tigers are known for their relentless defensive pressure. It is likely that LSU will put significant pressure on the USC defense, causing difficulties for the Trojans' offense in handling the physical pass rush. The point spread for the game favors LSU by -4 points.

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