Desert Duel: USC and LSU Clash in Prime-Time Battle

September 1, 2024

By Carter Rennyson

The No. 23 USC Trojans and No. 13 LSU Tigers meet tonight at Allegiant Stadium for a Sunday night prime-time showdown between two of the top programs in the country. Both teams feature new starting quarterbacks replacing former Heisman Trophy winners: Garrett Nussmeier for LSU and Miller Moss for USC are primed for a shootout in the desert.

Week 1 has already provided some great matchups. Penn State shut down West Virginia's offense, Riley Leonard and Notre Dame secured a solid road win at Texas A&M, and Georgia dominated Clemson for a statement victory in Atlanta. However, tonight’s matchup might be the most electric game of the weekend.

USC has enjoyed a resurgence under Lincoln Riley. However, this is his first season without Caleb Williams at the helm. Williams won the Heisman Trophy in 2022 and was drafted first overall by the Chicago Bears last spring. This year, the Trojans will turn to Miller Moss to lead the offense. Moss threw six touchdown passes in the Holiday Bowl last season, giving hope to Trojan faithful.

The rest of the offense features players who will need to step up after playing smaller roles last season. Woody Marks transferred from Mississippi State to be the lead back for USC. He had over 500 yards rushing last season and added six total touchdowns. Moss will have receivers Duce Robinson and Zachariah Branch as his top two targets, both of whom had solid seasons last year. A Lincoln Riley offense is always expected to put up points, but the defense often raises questions. D’Anton Lynn, brought over from UCLA to be the defensive coordinator, aims to stabilize the defensive side of the ball. If Lynn can succeed, the Trojans will be a tough team to beat due to their explosive offense.

Brian Kelly has found great success at LSU since moving from Notre Dame. In his first season, the Tigers defeated Alabama, and last year Jayden Daniels won the Heisman Trophy. Now, as the No. 13 team in the country, LSU has its sights set on the College Football Playoff. Garrett Nussmeier shined against Wisconsin in last year’s bowl game and may be one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country. With Kyren Lacy, CJ Daniels, and tight end Mason Taylor as his primary targets, Nussmeier is in a great situation.

Blake Baker, brought over from Missouri, is the new defensive coordinator for the Tigers. The defense is led by Harold Perkins Jr., one of the top linebackers in the country. Perkins’ fierceness and ability to wreak havoc make him a matchup nightmare. Baker has a wealth of talent on the defense as they look to shut down Miller Moss and the Trojans.

The Tigers and the Trojans meet for the first time since 1985, and all signs point to a barn burner. With these two explosive offenses, it should be one of the best games of the weekend. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC. Week 1 of the college football season wraps up tomorrow night as Florida State looks to avenge its Week 0 loss against the Boston College Eagles.