The USC Trojans will play its first game as a Big Ten member in a prime-time marquee matchup against the No. 13 LSU Tigers in Las Vegas. The No. 23 Trojans, who haven’t lost a season opener since 2016, aim to make a strong statement in their new conference against one of the top teams in the country.
Meanwhile, LSU is looking to break a four-game Week 1 losing streak that dates back to their 2019 national title season. Both teams will replace Heisman-winning quarterbacks, promising an entertaining, high-scoring showdown between two storied programs.
LSU vs. USC Betting Preview
Last season, Jayden Daniels rose from relative obscurity to win the Heisman, leading LSU to an impressive 10-3 record while topping the nation in scoring with 45.5 points per game.
The Trojans are replacing a Heisman-winning quarterback as well.
They finished 8-5 last season despite another stellar year from 2024 No. 1 draft pick quarterback and 2022 Heisman winner Caleb Williams. USC started 2023 strong with a 6-0 record but struggled down the stretch, losing five of their final six regular-season games.
Suddenly, Lincoln Riley appears in the Los Angeles hot seat as USC enters the Big Ten.
The Tigers hope to compete for a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, but they’re still not 100% sure what their offense will look like without Daniels and some other key offensive stars.
All LSU vs. USC odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Sunday, Sep. 1, 2024.
- Spread
LSU -4 - Moneyline
LSU -185 / USC +154 - Over/Under
66.5 - Game time
7:30 p.m. ET - Location
Allegiant Stadium | Las Vegas, Nevada - Predicted Weather at Kick
88* (in a dome) - How to Watch
ABC
This prime-time matchup opened up with LSU as almost a touchdown favorite at -6.5. It stayed at 6.5 until August, when some action came in on USC, and the line started to drop. On Aug. 21, the line hit USC +5, finally falling to +4.5, where it will most likely stay until kickoff.
The total has seen some interesting movement, opening at 66.5 in May. It was immediately bet down and fell as low as 62 in June before seeing some action to the over which helped it climb back to 64.5. On the morning of the game, it rose back to 66.5.
LSU went 6-6-0 against the spread (ATS) in 2023, while USC compiled a 4-9-0 ATS record.
Both teams have frequently hit the over recently, with LSU going over in 12 of 13 games and USC in 10 of 13 last season. Additionally, the Trojans have won seven straight season openers dating back to a season-opening drubbing from Alabama in 2016 to the tune of 52-6.
This matchup marks only the third time LSU and USC have faced each other. The previous two meetings saw the Tigers winning 23-3 in 1984 and the Trojans securing a 17-12 victory in 1979. Both teams come into this game with rich histories and high expectations, making this a highly anticipated clash between two storied programs.
Prediction for LSU vs. USC
Suppose you listen to the national media regarding this game. In that case, they believe the Trojans lost way too much firepower on offense and have far too many question marks on defense as they try to improve on their abysmal defense from last year.
They also talk about LSU’s offense a bit like it’s a plug-and-play style. Regardless of the pieces, you’re going to have an offense that walks out and averages close to 40 points per game again. But I’m not totally buying it.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season With CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
You can’t expect new Trojans defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn to have USC looking like the ’85 Bears in Week 1, but there’s no way they’ll be as putrid as a tackling and cover unit as they were in 2023.
There’s a reason this game was beaten down from 6.5 to 4.5, where it stands now. And I believe that is because Coach Riley will have the Trojans ready. Fight On!
Prediction: USC 34 – LSU 31
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