The insane slate of college football will continue on Sunday between the USC Trojans and LSU Tigers. Both teams have started the season ranked and will look for a massive win to begin the season on a neutral field. Here’s our preview, which will include a best bet from top-rated sportsbooks.
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NCAAF Pick
- Over 64.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
USC Trojans vs. LSU Tigers
Sunday, September 01, 2024 – 07:30 PM ET at Allegiant Stadium
It would’ve been fun to have this matchup last season. Imagine a game between Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels on a neutral field in college. We were just one year short!
From Backup to Big Stage
But now the USC Trojans are moving on from the Caleb Williams era. They’ve elected Miller Moss to be the next starter for the team. He had been the backup for Williams in the previous two seasons, but when he got his chance in the DirectTV Holiday Bowl against Louisville, he showed up.
Moss delivered 372 yards passing and completed 69.7% of passes in that game. He also added six passing touchdowns and a QBR of 98.1. That performance ultimately saved his job. Had he not performed well in that game, USC would’ve surely gone after a transfer quarterback and forced him to battle for the starting job this season.
On the other hand, the LSU Tigers’ plan was always for Garrett Nussmeier to replace Jayden Daniels.
When Daniels didn’t play in the Reliaquest Bowl for LSU, Nussmeier helped LSU win against Wisconsin with 395 yards passing. He’s not a runner like Daniels, but he’s got the arm talent. Nussmeier completed 68.9% of passes and added three touchdowns in a win.
Ultimately, both starters experienced big moments and excelled in them. Nussmeier still has more experience and better arm talent. However, he sometimes makes poor decisions when throwing the ball. LSU believes they’ve corrected this, but we won’t know until the games begin.
LSU’s Run Game
LSU left tackle told the media that the Tigers will run the ball. He exclaimed that it’s not something they need to keep quiet. He confidently told the press that the running backs are big, fast, and powerful guys.
While Josh Williams will be one of the main contributors offensively in the run game, the Tigers are more excited about sophomore runner Kaleb Jackson. Jackson showed a glimpse of stardom last season and is regarded as the next-best LSU running back in program history.
Additionally, LSU lost a lot of its passing games from last year. QB Jayden Daniels, WR Malik Nabers, and WR Brian Thomas were all first-round draft picks.
Now it’s up to Nussmeier and his new targets. The Tigers brought in transfers CJ Daniels and Zavion Thomas to help the depth of the receiver room. However, recognizable names like Kyren Lacy, Chris Hilton Jr., and Aaron Anderson should all produce more than last year.
Therefore, Campbell telling the media about the run game could be a smokescreen that allows LSU to catch USC off guard in the passing game.
A Lincoln Riley defense is never something to worry about, either.
USC’s Revamped Defense
While I acknowledged that USC’s defense hasn’t been good over the last two seasons, I also have to point out that USC is trying to improve.
The Trojans add several high-level transfers on defense. Eight new transfers should see significant snaps in this game.
Having a lot of talent on defense is one thing. But communication is another. That could be a problem in the opening game, as these guys haven’t played a real game under the spotlight together.
You can’t miscommunicate in these games, or you’ll get burned. That’s why it’s more likely that this game becomes a high-scoring matchup.
It’s not like LSU’s defense will suddenly turn heads, while the Tigers probably have a better roster of players. LSU’s struggles last season were infuriating. They named Blake Baker the new defensive coordinator and changed up a lot of the defensive hires, but that also takes time to develop.
NCAAF PICK
Miller Moss and Garrett Nussmeier are unproven. They’ve shown glimpses of stardom but haven’t had a whole year to show off consistency. However, both quarterbacks got first-team reps all spring and should be prepared and consistent in their roles this season.
Therefore, let’s back the Over 64.5 (-110) for this Sunday night battle between two high-level offenses.
NCAAF Pick: Over 64.5 (-110) at Bet365
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
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