Two of college football’s most storied programs will compete in Las Vegas on Sunday night, as No. 13 LSU battles No. 23 USC at Allegiant Stadium. The game is set to kick off at 7:44 p.m. CT and will air on ABC and the LSU Sports Radio Network, featuring Chris Blair as the play-by-play announcer, with Jacob Hester providing color analysis and Gordy Rush reporting from the sidelines.
Following two consecutive seasons with ten wins under head coach Brian Kelly, the Tigers aim to kick off the 2024 season successfully. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is set to make his second career start, having notably led LSU to victory in last season’s ReliaQuest Bowl against Wisconsin.
Kelly expressed enthusiasm for the matchup, highlighting its significance as a prime-time event on ABC in Las Vegas, which serves as a great platform for college football and the LSU program.
Despite losing three first-round draft picks, LSU’s offense retains a wealth of talent in 2024, particularly a strong offensive line that is a contender for the Joe Moore Award. Last season, left tackle Will Campbell and right tackle Emery Jones played pivotal roles, logging 1,513 snaps with minimal quarterback pressure allowed.
Junior receiver Kyren Lacy, coming off a solid 2023 season with 30 receptions for 558 yards and seven touchdowns, returns along with Chris Hilton and transfers C.J. Daniels and Zavion Thomas to enhance the receiving corps. Tight ends Mason Taylor and Ka’Morreun Pimpton are also expected to make significant contributions, with redshirt freshman Kyle Parker taking on a larger role.
The running back depth is led by sixth-year senior Josh Williams, who has racked up over 1,000 rushing yards at LSU. Sophomore Kaleb Jackson is anticipated to have a breakout year, while John Emery returns for his final eligibility year, joined by freshman Caden Durham, a highly regarded recruit.
Kelly emphasized the team’s leadership and experience, noting their understanding of what it takes to win.
On the defensive side, first-year coordinator Blake Baker is bringing renewed energy to the unit. Linebacker Harold Perkins, a standout player also featured on the preseason Butkus Award watch list, will be joined by sophomore Whit Weeks and senior Greg Penn III, who earned the esteemed No. 18 jersey for exemplifying LSU values.
The secondary retains coach Corey Raymond, who returned to LSU in January. Sophomore cornerback Ashton Stamps has emerged as a key starter, and veteran Sage Ryan is back for his fourth season. Safety Major Burns led the team in tackles last year with 93, while redshirt sophomore Jordan Allen looks to enhance his contributions after an encouraging end to the previous season.
The defensive line welcomes returning veterans like Jacobian Guillory and Saivion Jones, alongside new recruits such as Wisconsin transfer Gio Paez and Jay’Viar Suggs from Grand Valley State. Guillory enters his fifth season with a track record of solid performance.
Following three seasons as a backup, USC now starts junior quarterback Miller Moss, who amassed 681 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023. The Trojans also bring in Mississippi State transfer running back Woody Marks, who has significant SEC experience. The Trojans’ defense, under new coordinator D’Anton Lynn, includes key players like DT Bear Alexander and LB Eric Gentry.
Kelly described USC’s air raid offense as precise and fundamentally oriented toward the passing game while being capable of exploiting opponents who overly focus on passing defense.
Historically, LSU and USC have met twice, each winning a game, with LSU taking the most recent matchup in 1984 with a score of 23-3.