Looking to dodge their fifth-straight season opener loss, the No. 13 LSU Tigers (-4.0) are slight favorites over the USC Trojans in Week 1 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. I'm putting both groups on a level playing field with each replacing stud quarterbacks, Jayden Daniels, the Heisman Trophy winner, and Caleb Williams, the NFL's first-overall pick.
But LSU's offensive line, led by Emery Jones and Will Campbell, is stout enough to give new starter Garrett Nussmeier some room to breathe behind the line of scrimmage. I'll lay the points with Brian Kelly and the Tigers.
LSU Vs uSC Odds
Matchup Page: LSU vs USC, 7:30 pm ET
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| LSU Tigers | -4.0 (-112) | -185 | OVER 64 (-110) |
| USC Trojans | +4.0 (-108) | +154 | UNDER 64 (-110) |
Odds as of August 28
LSU vs USC Picks – Week 1
If you're asking me, USC had its glimmer of glory the last two seasons. But, after losing Williams and a handful of offensive stars like RB Marshawn Lloyd and WR Tahj Washington, to the NFL, it's back to square one. While their recruiting should be enough to keep them afloat, it's inexperienced athletes stepping onto the field. And that's not going to cut it against Kelly and an SEC squad.
The Tigers used the transfer portal to patch their losses, snagging Liberty's CJ Daniels, who eclipsed 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns. Nussmeier has also gotten a decent amount of reps in, making brief appearances against 'Bama, Ole Miss and Georgia in his career.
Fresh off consecutive 10-win seasons, LSU is always somewhere in the conversation. With more wiggle room in the College Football Playoff, the Tigers will be thrashing for a spot. But, they can't drop another season opener. Good thing USC has lost 10 of its last 11 meetings against ranked opponents. Again, in my humble opinion, the Trojans are riding on the coat tails of the last couple of seasons.
LSU Vs USC Week 1 Pick: Tigers -4.0 (-112)
LSU vs uSC prop Pick: Woody Marks OVER 65.5 Rushing Yards (-114)
The Trojans biggest offseason pick-up was Woody Marks, transferring from Mississippi State after recording over 500 yards in each of the last two years. In 2023, the senior kicked off the year by pocketing over 240 yards across his first two appearances. In Week 3, he rushed 75 yards against LSU, who allowed 160.5 rushing yards per game last season, and had another 68-yard performance against Alabama a few weeks later.
He's explosive and recognizes when to kick it into high gear. Let's be honest, Miller Moss is no Caleb Williams and it'll take some time for the junior to adjust. Lincoln Riley brought Marks in to lift some weight off the passing game.
LSU vs USC Betting Trends
- LSU has covered six of its last seven favored spreads, all set at 10.5-points or more.
- LSU hit the OVER in 12 of 13 outings last season. Meanwhile, USC cashed the OVER in 10 of 13 meetings last season.
- USC has won seven straight season openers.
