The LSU Tigers fell 27-20 to the USC Trojans in the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic on Sunday evening in Las Vegas, Nevada. The loss marks the third straight in a season opener for a Brian Kelly-led LSU team.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The highly anticipated matchup featured two third year head coaches in Brian Kelly of LSU and Lincoln Riley of USC. Additionally, both teams had starting quarterbacks tasked with taking over for a Heisman Trophy winner; Garrett Nussmeier for LSU and Miller Moss for USC.
Early on, the LSU offense was clicking. They marched 13 plays and 74 yards on the game’s opening drive. Kyren Lacy was featured heavily, but the drive ended with a turnover on downs inside the 10 yardline.
The Trojans moved the ball a bit but could not get into scoring range. They punted back to the Tigers. LSU had another drive that lasted almost five minutes, but it ended with a punt. The entire first quarter went by without any scoring, which was not the expectation coming in given the two explosive offenses.
The Trojans got on the board first, as their second drive ended in the end zone. Moss connected with Lake McRee for a 17-yard touchdown to cap an eight play, 87 yard drive. That opened the scoring at 7-0 USC.
The Tigers would answer quickly. A nine play, 75 yard drive ended with a Nussmeier to Lacy touchdown connection from 19 yards out. That tied things at seven, and would not be the last answer of the half.
Each team added a field goal on their next drive, tying things at 10. USC had a chip shot field goal at the expiration of the half to take the lead but missed it wide right. That brought the game to halftime evened up 10-10.
Early in the second half, both teams continued to search for the big play. After the teams traded punts, USC worked their way into field goal range. They once again failed to find the end zone, but made it 13-10 in their favor.
LSU had an answer with the ground game this time. They used the rushing attack to lead the way on a seven play, 78 yard drive. It was finished by a touchdown pass from Nussmeier to Aaron Anderson, giving LSU a 17-13 lead.
The defenses were expected to struggle in this one, but there were plenty of critical stops made on both sides. USC tried to drive down and take the lead. However, they were turned away by the Tiger defense on fourth down.
USC got a quick stop and got another chance to take the lead with inside of seven minutes to play. This time, they did not miss out on the opportunity. They went three plays and 64 yards with a touchdown from Moss to Ja’Kobi Lane. That gave the Trojans a 20-17 lead.
LSU answered, but not to take the lead. They put together a solid drive, but it stalled in the red zone. Damian Ramos tied the game with a field goal, making it 20-20 with 1:47 to play.
Moss and the Trojan offense worked their way down the field methodically. Short passes worked their way into scoring range across midfield. Eventually, they scored the game-winning touchdown on a 13-yard run from Woody Marks.
BIG NUMBER: 5
LSU has now lost five straight season openers. Per Brandon Marcello, that has not happened since 1991-95.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Miller Moss
Moss delivered the game-winning drive with inside of two minutes left. He threw for 378 yards in the USC victory.
UP NEXT: LSU returns to Baton Rouge for the home opener inside Tiger Stadium on Saturday, September 7th. They host Nicholls at 6:30, and you can listen to the action on ESPN 103.7 Lafayette 104.1 Lake Charles.