In a clash featuring new starting quarterbacks stepping into significant roles and fresh defensive coordinators tasked with major repairs, No. 23 USC edged out No. 13 LSU 27-20 in a thrilling game in Las Vegas on Sunday night. The contest, one of the most exciting of college football's opening weekend, was decided by a dramatic 13-yard rushing touchdown from Woody Marks with just eight seconds remaining, sealing a wild final sequence marked by both teams exchanging scores.
With 5:44 remaining, USC quarterback Miller Moss connected with Ja’Kobi Lane on a 28-yard touchdown pass, putting the Trojans ahead 20-17. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier then moved the Tigers into the red zone, but their drive faltered at the 14-yard line, resulting in a Damian Ramos field goal from 31 yards with 1:47 left. On the following drive, Moss completed a pass to Kyron Hudson just inside the LSU 30 with 13 seconds remaining. A targeting penalty on LSU safety Jardin Gilbert put USC within easy field goal range. Instead of settling for a kick, Marks dashed in for the game-winning touchdown on the next play.
The loss marked LSU's fifth consecutive defeat in season openers, adding to head coach Brian Kelly’s frustrations in his third season since leaving Notre Dame for Baton Rouge.
“It’s the first time since I’ve been here that I’m angry at my football team,” Kelly said postgame. “From a big picture perspective, we didn’t play complementary football. When our offense did well, the defense didn't step up, and vice versa. What concerns me most are the personal fouls and selfish penalties that led to scores. These undisciplined mistakes reflect poorly on me.”
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