USC vs. LSU football: Predictions, odds and how to watch Sunday
College football season is in full swing. Big-name programs across the country took to the field for the first time this season on Saturday with multiple top-25 matchups. But there's still one game between top-25 programs: tonight's game between the USC Trojans and LSU Tigers in Las Vegas.
For the first time since 1958, the Trojans are not part of the Pac-12 Conference or its prior iterations. USC starts its run in the Big Ten this season ranked No. 23 and without Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams. Instead, it's 2023 Holiday Bowl MVP Miller Moss starting at quarterback. On defense, the Trojans got reinforcements from the transfer portal, including linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold from Oregon State.
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LSU enters the season ranked No. 12 and without a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback (Jayden Daniels) as well. The Tigers now start Garrett Nussmeier at quarterback and will be without first-round draft picks Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. at wide receiver. But LSU landed wide receiver CJ Daniels in the transfer portal and Mason Taylor returns in 2024 as one of the top tight ends in the country.
Here's everything to know about tonight's USC-LSU matchup, the first since 1984:
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College football 2024: USC vs. LSU predictions
The Daily Advertiser: LSU 28, USC 24
Cory Diaz says: "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."
College Football News: LSU 38, USC 34
Pete Fiutak writes: "Both teams have a ton to prove, both offenses will click, and this should be a great fight for a full four quarters. The biggest early strength of both teams should be the respective offensive lines. LSU’s will be a bit better the it has to be over the last ten minutes."
Forbes: USC (+4.5)
Pat Pickens says: "USC can absolutely win this game, especially if Lynn is able to coach up a scheme that can generate stops and turnovers. Five points isn’t much to cover, but that hook is friendly for bettors. This smells of a three- or four-point game because both teams could consider allowing a field goal as a defensive stop."
Sports Chat Place: LSU (-4.5)
Randy Chambers writes: "You can make a case for the USC Trojans and the points because you’re not going to get them in decent sized underdog spots like this very often. The problem is we’ve seen this story before in a clash against a high level SEC program in a big game opening week, and it usually doesn’t end well. LSU is the bigger, more physical team in the trenches, and that stands out a lot opening week when teams are still ironing out the wrinkles."
USC vs. LSU odds, lines:
The LSU Tigers are favorites to defeat USC in Sunday's college football matchup, according to the BetMGM college football odds. Looking to wager? Check out the top college football betting apps in 2024 offering the top NCAA football betting promos and bonuses in 2024.
Odds as of Wednesday evening.
- Spread: LSU (-4.5)
- Moneylines: LSU (-200); USC (+165)
- Over/under: 64.5
How to watch USC vs. LSU:
Date: Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024
Where: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT
TV: ABC
Catch the game: Stream college football with a Fubo subscription
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