USC vs LSU Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines

You want pressure? This is happening in Las Vegas on the first day of September and yet it’s a must-win for both superstar programs.

LSU has a loaded SEC schedule to deal with, but first it has to break a stunning streak of four straight Week 1 losses since winning the national title in 2019.

USC hasn’t lost a season opener since getting dropkicked by Alabama 52-6 to start 2016, and now as a new Big Ten program it could use something big to get everyone fired up. Lincoln Riley is already on a hot seat after just two seasons, and there are plenty of nasty games after this to deal with.

USC vs LSU Preview

USC vs LSU How to Watch
Date: Sunday, September 1, 2024
Game Time: 7:30 pm ET
Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
How to Watch: Big Ten Network
2023 Records: USC (8-5), LSU (10-3)
- Week 1 Schedule, Predictions

Why LSU Will Win

Does USC have a defense yet?

It’s replacing superstar quarterback Caleb Williams, the offense doesn’t appear to have the same playmakers like it did last year, and the D that got ripped up too easily has to prove it can start taking the ball away and be anything better than totally awful under new coordinator D’Anton Lynn.

LSU’s biggest defensive issue last year was its inability to stop the run, but that’s not going to be USC’s bread-and-butter. There’s a whole lot of speed and quickness to go along with the up-front bulk - LSU won’t be powered on in any way.

But …

Why USC Will Win

Does LSU have a defense yet?

It’s replacing superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels, the offense doesn’t appear to have the same playmakers like it did last year, and that D that got ripped up too easily has to prove it can start taking the ball away and be anything better than totally awful under new coordinator Blake Baker.

The LSU pass defense was abysmal last season. USC’s offense might not have Williams, or a slew of sure-thing dangerous receivers, but Miller Moss should be able to dink and dunk with time to throw behind a terrific USC offensive front.

If the Tigers can’t generate consistent pressure from the start, look out.

USC vs LSU: Who Will Win

It’s only the third time these two powerhouses have faced each other - LSU won 23-3 in 1984 and USC won 17-12 in 1979 - and this time around should be the most fascinating of the bunch.

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.

USC vs LSU Prediction, Betting Lines

LSU 38, USC 34
Line: LSU -4.5, o/u: 64.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
USC vs LSU Must See Rating: 4.5

CFN Expert Picks
UNC at Minn | NDSU at Colorado
TCU at Stan | Clemson vs UGA
Penn St at WVU | Col St at Texas
Miami at Fla | UTEP at Neb
WKU at Bama | UNLV at Houston
ND at TA&M | UCLA at Hawaii
Fresno St at Mich | UNM at Arizona
USC at LSU | BC at FSU
Week 1 Schedule, Picks