When: Sunday September 1st, 2024 6:30 CST

Where: Allegiant Stadium Las Vegas, NV

Channel: ABC

Spread: LSU -4

O/U: 64

The 2024 LSU Football season kicks off Sunday against the USC Trojans in Las Vegas. The college football world will be watching this contest. This is only the 3rd time these two teams have squared off; in 1979 the Trojans were victorious, and in 1984 the Tigers were victorious.

Fast forward 40 years later, and you have two teams who have so many similarities. Both have third year head coaches, both have new defensive coordinators, both have lost Heisman winning quarterbacks, and both have first year starting quarterbacks.

USC Trojans

USC's Miller Moss is entering his first season as the starting quarterback for the Trojans. Miller Moss had an impressive bowl game performance this past season where he connected with 10 different receivers. The Trojans landed transfer running back Woody Marks who is a passing catching specialist out of the backfield. Any Lincoln Riley offense will be high powered. Tight end Lake McRee will be a threat over the middle of the field for this offense. Wide receiver Zachariah Branch is an explosive playmaker who has to be accounted for at all times. Branch is a real threat in the kick and punt return game as well. The offensive line is anchored down by center Jonah Monheim and guard Emmanuel Pregnon. On the defensive side of the ball, USC has a new coordinator, D'Anton Lynn. Lynn comes over from UCLA. The UCLA defense made great strides under Lynn. The defensive line is led by tackles Bear Alexander and Elijah Hughes and edge rusher Jamil Muhammad. The Trojans have a new kicker this season in Michael Lantz, who showed a lot of promise at Georgia Southern.

LSU Tigers

LSU officially is entering the Garrett Nussmeier era. The first year signal caller is protected by one of the top offensive lines in the nation. The offensive line is led by bookend tackles Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr., both of whom may go in the top 10 of next year's NFL draft. LSU has not had a first round offensive lineman since Alan Faneca in 1998. LSU has a three headed monster at running back led by 6th year senior Josh Williams, who was recently awarded number 18. John Emery Jr. provides change of pace ability out of the backfield. Kaleb Jackson can do it all, he can run through you or run by you. Mason Taylor is the leader in the tight end room for the Tigers, and he will be relied upon quite a bit in this offense. Behind him are playmakers and true red zone threats in Ka'Morreun Pimpton and Trey'Dez Green. On the outside, the Tigers are led by Kyren Lacy, CJ Daniels, and Chris Hilton Jr. Hilton Jr. appears to be a little banged up, so Kyle Parker is the next man up in the receiver room. On the defensive side of the football, the Tigers have a new coordinator in Blake Baker. It is said he and defensive line coach Bo Davis have brought a different energy to the defensive side of the football.

Keys to the Game

- Both return specialists for these teams, Zachariah Branch and Zavion Thomas, have the ability to flip a field in a hurry. These punters and coverage unit have to be on their A game because this could truly be a game changer. LSU's punter rotation will be something to watch here.

- Who can win in the trenches? LSU's offensive line is massive, but USC's defensive line is full of playmakers. On the other side, LSU's defensive line has a ton of depth, while the USC offensive line has two studs at center and left guard. Can these defensive line produce pressure?

- Who can create a turnover? Both defensive coordinators thrive on confusing the quarterback with different looks. Who can force the opposing quarterback to make a mistake? If either of these teams are able to steal a possession or get a big stop, that can be what wins you the game.

This will be an interesting game to watch.  I would take the over in this one. Like T.O. and Ochocinco once said, "Getcha popcorn ready!"

Thank you for checking out my article.

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