Previewing 2024 Kickoff Classic, LSU-USC Meet in Vegas

8/31/2024

Da Boot Sports
8/31/2024
By: Jason Watson Jr.

Las Vegas, NV - Two of college football’s most prestigious programs will battle on the gridiron when the SEC and the Big Ten square off in fabulous Las Vegas. Allegiant Stadium will play host to the top-25 contest over Labor Day Weekend as Louisiana State University and the University of Southern California are eager to begin their 2024 campaign with a victory. Series History:
Sunday’s marquee matchup will be just the third all-time meeting between the historic squads. Currently, the series is split at one win apiece with the home team coming out on top each time. USC first defeated LSU 17-12 in a meeting back in 1979. The Tigers followed that up with a 23-3 pouncing of the Trojans in 1984, and just over 30 years to the day, the scale will tilt once again.

What a Victory Means (LSU):

The Tigers have not had a season-opening victory since their national championship run in 2019. Suffering week-one losses to Mississippi State, UCLA, and Florida State (twice) in consecutive seasons drew questions from skeptics about whether scheduling power five opponents as non-conference games are worth the added risk. Yet, LSU and Brian Kelly have remained adamant about wanting to compete with the best of the best.
Kelly will work on reloading the Tiger offense after losing Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Heisman winner, Jayden Daniels, to the first round of the NFL Draft. After having arguably one of the historically worst defensive performances in 2023, defensive coordinator Matt House was replaced with Blake Baker. LSU also added DL coach Bo Davis and secondary coach Corey Raymond, all of whom are no strangers to the Tigers’ coaching staff. LSU fans hope that these additions in coordination with player development will result in a much-improved outing on the opposite side of the ball.
In an already loaded Southeastern Conference that added Oklahoma and Texas to its slate this offseason, every opportunity to earn a victory throughout the FBS season is important. LSU would feel a lot better about starting the Garrett Nussmeier era with revamped skill positions and defensive units if they were able to leave Vegas with a 1-0 record and a ranked victory under their belt.

What a Victory Means (USC):

Lincoln Riley and the Trojans are seeking a rebound season after finishing a dismal 8-5 a season ago. Although they were able to win a bowl game versus Louisville, USC dropped their final three regular season games, all by multiple scores. Riley, like Kelly, is entering his third season as the head coach of his program. He was entrusted to return the Trojans to the powerhouse they once were, and they want to make some headway in that progress this season.
Similarly to LSU, the Trojans will be rolling out a revamped coaching staff on the defensive side of the ball. Coordinator D’Anton Lynn took over the reins after the firing of Alex Grinch. USC will now also try to replace their own Heisman-winning quarterback after Caleb Williams was selected by the Chicago Bears with the first overall pick this season. Junior QB, Miller Moss, will step into the starting role.
USC is one of four schools realigning to the Big Ten this year. UCLA, Washington, and Oregon join the conference as well. Speculation has circulated about how well they’d be able to handle the increased competition, especially in a larger pool of teams. The upcoming game against LSU is going to be a huge chance for the Trojans to make a statement. If USC can show a competitive fire and hang with an SEC opponent, that would go a long way for their confidence throughout the season, regardless of the final result.

Where to Watch Live:

LSU v. USC can be seen on Sunday, September 1, 2024, from ABC’s broadcast live from Las Vegas with kickoff slated for 6:30 p.m. CST.

Make sure you go to DaBootSports.com for all of your LSU and Saints coverage all season long. Also, please Subscribe to our Da Boot Sports YouTube Channel where we will begin our live 'Talking Tigers with Da Boot Sports' Football Podcast on Tuesday nights at 8:00pm. First episode is scheduled for September 3rd. Former LSU and New York Giants great Leonard Marshall will be our special guest. Thank you for all the support! GEAUX TIGERS!!!

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