LSU Tigers vs USC Trojans prediction who will win and why.

LSU Tigers vs. USC Trojans: Who Will Win and Why

This is our amended prediction for the Week 1 college football game between LSU and USC, which is now an SEC vs. Big Ten showdown.

Despite their obvious differences in distance and culture, LSU and USC have some striking parallels that should come to light when they play in college football’s opening game of the season on Sunday night in Las Vegas.

Both schools introduce new defensive coordinators in an attempt to improve defenses that were among the worst in college football a year ago. D’Anton Lynn, who led UCLA’s defense to a No. 10 national rating the previous season, will try to revitalize USC’s defense, while Blake Baker, a Missouri native, will take over for LSU.

Additionally, each of these institutions will introduce fresh signal callers with little experience but a lot of promise at quarterback, including the Heisman Trophy winners who went pro.

In place of Jayden Daniels and Miller Moss, who both put up impressive numbers in bowl game triumphs for their respective teams, Garrett Nussmeier takes over for Caleb Williams, the first overall choice. Let’s hope that their performance converts into them taking over the QB1 roles permanently.

What kind of matchup should we anticipate? Here’s things to look out for when LSU and USC play in Las Vegas, according to our most recent game prediction.

LSU vs. USC prediction, preview

How to watch

When: Sun., Sept. 1

Time: 6:30 p.m. CT, 4:30 p.m. PT

TV: ABC network

USC vs. LSU game odds

Lines courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

LSU: -4.5 (-105)

USC: +4.5 (-115)

LSU to win: -182

USC to win: +150

Over 65.5 points (-110)

Under 65.5 points (-110)

FPI picks: LSU 54.7% | USC 45.3%

What to watch for

1. Battle at the line. Against a Trojans front seven that has lacked depth and skill, has been out of position, and has missed far too many tackles the past two seasons, LSU’s offensive line, which returns four starters, will be formidable once more in protecting Nussmeier and creating space for a talented bunch of backs. This early momentum might demoralize USC’s defensive line.

2. Targeting LSU’s back seven. With Harold Perkins roving center field for LSU, USC hopes to challenge the Tigers’ secondary frequently. However, Moss should be protected enough by the Trojans to gain confidence via a barrage of short and intermediate throws to some very good receivers. While it’s still unproven, there is a decent opportunity to squeeze some yards out of a unit that finished the previous season ranked 121st nationally in production.

3. Red zone and third down. These defenses’ play in scoring position was a major factor in their difficulties a year prior. LSU ranked 125th in that statistic, allowing teams to score on 92.3 percent of drives inside the 20-yard line, while USC was 115th, allowing teams to score 91 percent of the time.

In terms of third-down defense, USC was 107th in the nation, allowing opponents to move the chains on 43% of attempts, while LSU, ranked 120th, allowed opponents to convert on 46% of chances.

LSU vs. USC prediction

Given that both defenses would occasionally generously leave passing lanes open in the deeper part of the field, good skill players and prospective quarterbacks should roughly match each team’s offensive potential.

The difference should come from LSU’s offensive line. The Tigers will gain some momentum running the ball behind that protection, and the four returning starters will create a safe pocket from which Nussmeier will have more time and space to hone his timing with a group of talented receivers.College Football HQ picks …

College Football HQ picks …

LSU wins 38-31
Covers the spread
And hits the over