USC Trojans Triumph Over LSU Tigers
The USC Trojans secured a thrilling 27-20 victory over the LSU Tigers in their debut Big Ten game, which took place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The win was highlighted by a game-winning 13-yard touchdown run from Woody Marks, who made his first appearance for USC after transferring from Mississippi State.
Woody Marks’ Impact
Marks expressed satisfaction with his decision to transfer, stating on the broadcast, “Paid off (transferring to USC)… Found a way to get the job done.” His performance was instrumental in securing the win for USC in a game that featured two highly ranked teams.
Record-Breaking Atmosphere
The match drew a sold-out crowd of 63,963, setting a new attendance record at Allegiant Stadium. The atmosphere was electric, with noise levels reaching 107 decibels. This prompted USC head coach Lincoln Riley to call a timeout to help quarterback Miller Moss hear the play calls.
Miller Moss’ Performance
Miller Moss, who hails from Las Vegas, expressed pride in leading his team to victory in front of his hometown crowd. He reflected on the two-minute drill, saying, “Those are the types of situations that coach Riley always talks about, that wins or loses games.” Moss demonstrated composure, completing 27 of 37 passes for 378 yards and one touchdown.
Coaching Strategy
When asked about the decision not to kick a field goal for the win, Moss explained, “We wanted to end it on our terms and not leave anything to chance.” He praised his teammates, highlighting the team’s focus on building a tough, cohesive identity. “Our identity shined through,” he added.
Coach Riley’s Praise
Coach Lincoln Riley expressed his confidence in Moss, stating, “I have a lot of belief in Miller. … He’s a great leader for this team.” The game underscored the effectiveness of USC’s strategic approach and teamwork.
LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier
In place of the departed Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier delivered a strong performance, throwing for 304 yards and two touchdowns. His efforts kept LSU competitive throughout the game.
New Defensive Coordinators
Both teams debuted new defensive coordinators in this matchup. USC’s D’Anton Lynn and LSU’s Blake Baker were looking to implement their defensive strategies, adding layer of intrigue to the game.
Competitive First Half
The game was tightly contested, with the first half ending in a 10-10 tie. This set the stage for a highly competitive second half, where both teams battled fiercely for the win.
Upcoming Games
USC’s next challenge will be against Utah State on September 7, as they look to build on their impressive start to the season. The Trojans will aim to continue their strong performance in their new conference.
Season Outlook
With this victory, USC appears to be on the right path as they adjust to their new conference affiliation. The team’s strong showing against a formidable opponent bodes well for their prospects in the season ahead.