LSU vs USC picks - September 1

One of the more highly anticipated games on College Football’s Week 1 schedule pits the LSU Tigers against the USC Trojans on a neutral field – Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The showdown is set for Sunday night, making it a standalone contest that will attract a ton of viewers on ABC. 

Let’s look at the LSU vs USC best bets to make in this intriguing SEC-Big Ten battle. 

LSU vs USC Predictions 

Pick #1 – USC +4 (-108) 

Pick #2 – Over 64 (-112) 

Pick #3 – Duce Robinson Over 44.5 receiving yards (-114) 

LSU vs USC Spread Pick: USC +4 (-108) 

The Trojans were underdogs of around a touchdown as recently as a few weeks ago, but – unsurprisingly – the money has been going in their direction, and now they are getting barely more than a field goal. Head coach Lincoln Riley’s squad still looks to be the play, even at this relatively small number. No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick Caleb Williams is gone, but Miller Moss has already established himself as a legitimate successor – albeit in a small sample size.

Williams skipped the Holiday Bowl, paving the way for Moss to lead USC to a 42-28 victory over the Louisville Cardinals. The Los Angeles, Calif. native tossed six touchdown passes and finished with 372 yards on 23-of-33 passing while throwing one interception. With Williams having departed and Moss looking like a capable replacement, the Trojans’ offense should be well-rounded and more dynamic than simply a showcase for a star QB. 

On the other side of the ball, Alex Grinch is out as defensive coordinator, and D'Anton Lynn is now roaming the USC sidelines. Lynn completely revamped UCLA's defense into one of the better front sevens in the country over the past couple of years. The Trojans’ defense indeed stunk last season, but improvement can be expected. The unit is facing an LSU offense handing over the reins from No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels to Garrett Nussmeier. 

The pressure of going against a top-flight opponent in his first start could be problematic for Nussmeier, especially considering that his pass-catching weapons also lack experience. After all, wide receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. joined Daniels in the draft. In what should be a competitive and exciting game from start to finish, USC +4 is the smart bet to make.

LSU vs USC Game Total prediction: Over 64 (-112) 

These are quite simply two teams that have generated all kinds of explosive plays over the past few college football seasons. Even though – as mentioned – Nussmeier may not be in line to set the world on fire this weekend, he should find at least some success against an unproven USC defense working under a new coordinator. We are unlikely to see immediate domination from Lynn’s unit.

Meanwhile, Moss should continue to excel in a Riley system that simplifies multiple things and takes some of the pressure off the quarterback. Don’t be surprised if Moss becomes a Heisman Trophy contender, the foundation of which would be set against LSU on Sunday. It’s worth noting that the Tigers’ defense was 121st nationally in EPA per play and 125th in Finishing Drives last season. Despite the number being pretty high, you should like the over. 

LSU vs USC player prop prediction: Duce Robinson Over 44.5 receiving yards (-114) 

In limited playing time as a freshman, Robinson contributed in the form of 16 receptions for 351 yards and two touchdowns. His statistics included a 44-yard scoring strike from Moss in USC’s bowl victory over Louisville. It was only one throw, but its importance in the Moss-to-Robinson connection should not be underestimated. Robinson projects to be one of the Tigers’ top offensive threats now that Tahj Washington and Brenden Rice have taken their talents to the NFL, so look for him to start delivering immediately.