USC vs. LSU Week 1 preview: Will Miller Moss or Garrett Nussmeier take control in Las Vegas?

Sunday night of Labor Day weekend has become a common spot for the LSU Tigers, as they are set to play their third consecutive season-opening game on Labor Day Sunday, this time in Las Vegas against the USC Trojans. It's a noteworthy game for many reasons. Bot the Tigers and Trojans are coming off of […]

Tyler Forness NFL & College Football News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Kyren Lacy LSU
SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK

Sunday night of Labor Day weekend has become a common spot for the LSU Tigers, as they are set to play their third consecutive season-opening game on Labor Day Sunday, this time in Las Vegas against the USC Trojans.

It's a noteworthy game for many reasons. Bot the Tigers and Trojans are coming off of disappointing seasons with quarterbacks that went first (Caleb Williams) and second overall (Jayden Daniels) and something to prove as they hope to make the 12-team College Football Playoff.

It's a true blessing to get a game on Sunday night with a long weekend giving us a great matchup in primetime. Here is what you need to know heading into the first game for USC representing the Big Ten.

Garrett Nussmeier
Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

Miller Moss and Garrett Nussmeier getting their first regular season starts

Both quarterbacks got their first starts in their school's bowl game. They thrived with the opportunity and ended up getting the starting job to start the 2024 season.

Moss was never supposed to be the guy for the Trojans. He proved that he should get the start over five-star freshman Malachi Nelson and Moss' performance helped make the decision for Nelson to transfer that much easier.

Nussmeier was well thought of from the start. He was a contender to start week one for the Tigers in 2022 as a true freshman but lost the battle to the eventual Heisman Trophy winner Daniels. He is set up better than just about anyone in the nation 

Neither of these quarterbacks are a sure thing going into the season but they will be given the chance to be the guy. Nussmeier has a really good situation in front of him with two offensive tackles projected to go in the top 15 of the NFL Draft and a bevy of wide receiver options.

Matchup to watch: LSU WRs vs. USC CBs

There has been a lot of talk about the quarterbacks in this game and rightfully so. However, the matchup with the Tigers' wide receivers and the cornerbacks of the Trojans is going to be worth keeping an eye on. 

The Tigers have an impressive group of wide receivers led by Kyren Lacy, C.J. Daniels and Chris Hilton Jr. They can do a little bit of everything for you, but most importantly, they will stretch the field with consistency.

The Trojans have three seniors starting at cornerback but can they keep up with the sheer talent of the Tigers?

Predicting the game

At the time of publication, LSU is a 4-point favorite over USC at -112 odds with an over/under of 64. The atmosphere in Las Vegas could be a factor but will it be enough to matter? I'm not so sure. I'd stay away from the spread in case it's a field goal game, but the Tigers look primed to win this one. We should have a good time watching this game on Sunday night.

Prediction: LSU 31, USC 28