LSU vs. USC Picks, Predictions, and Odds: Top-25 Sunday Showdown

• This is the third meeting between the schools and the first since 1984

• Both schools produced one of the last two Heisman Trophy winners

• USC went 8-5 last year, while LSU went 10-3

The No. 23 USC Trojans and No. 13 LSU Tigers will begin their college football seasons with a neutral-field matchup in Las Vegas on Sunday. 

The Trojans had one of the worst defenses in any Power conference a year ago and lost QB Caleb Williams to the NFL Draft, while the Tigers lost a slew of offensive talent but are still projected to contend for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

As both teams prepare to take the field under the bright lights of Allegiant Stadium, we have compiled our favorite USC vs. LSU picks. Let’s take a look.

No. 13 LSU vs. No. 23 USC Odds 

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No. 13 LSU vs. No. 23 USC Predictions 

Lincoln Riley-coached teams regularly rank among the top teams in the country in yards per play, which is a reflection of his ability to craft elite offenses regardless of personnel or location. His next task will be replacing first-overall pick Caleb Williams with Miller Moss, a junior with just 92 career pass attempts.

The Trojans’ defense is the biggest concern here as they ranked 119th in yards allowed per game and 121st in scoring defense while conceding 34.4 points per game. They rebuilt the defense through the portal, with eight of their top 11 transfers playing on that side of the ball.

Meanwhile, LSU’s offense dominated thanks to the excellence of Jayden Daniels, the eventual Heisman winner and second pick in the NFL Draft, and receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. They will turn the reins over to junior QB Garrett Nussmeier, who went 31-45 for 395 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in a 35-31 win over Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year’s Day. 

LSU lost its season opener each of the last four seasons and had real problems stopping the run, allowing 161 yards per game a year ago. They also ranked 118th in passing yards allowed per game.

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No. 13 LSU vs. No. 23 USC Pick

• My Pick: No. 23 USC +4.5 (-110) at BetMGM

USC’s defense has been horrific since Lincoln Riley showed up in Los Angeles—but in this case, they likely won’t have to be any better than mediocre to cover the spread.

Reports suggest that Miller Moss is ready to step into the spotlight without much hesitation. Riley’s track record of bringing the best out of quarterbacks is also a major factor here seeing as LSU’s offense will change completely without Daniels, Nabers, and Thomas Jr.

This should be a hard-fought, high-scoring game. Because USC can lose by a field goal and still cover the spread, they get our nod of approval. 

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How to Watch No. 13 LSU vs. No. 23 USC

• When: Sunday, September 1, 4:30/7:30 p.m. PT/ET

• Where: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV

• Watch: ABC/ESPN+ 

No. 13 LSU vs. No. 23 USC Best Promos and Sportsbooks

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No. 13 LSU vs. No. 23 USC Injuries

LSU

• Chris Hilton (WR) - questionable (bone bruise)

• Miles Frazier (OL) - probable

USC

• None listed

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