The 23rd-ranked USC Trojans pulled off a dramatic last-second victory over the 13th-ranked LSU Tigers on Sunday night in Las Vegas, marking the start of a new era for both programs, Fox News reports.
USC quarterback Miller Moss, replacing the No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, delivered a stellar performance, leading the Trojans down the field in the final minutes for a 27-20 win.
With the game tied at 20 with 1:47 remaining, Moss orchestrated a masterful drive, completing his first five passes. With 18 seconds left, Kyron Hudson made a spectacular one-handed catch, his second of the game, to put USC in field goal range.
A targeting penalty on LSU’s Jardin Gilbert moved the Trojans closer, setting up a game-winning touchdown run by Woody Marks. The score gave USC a 27-20 lead with eight seconds left. LSU’s final attempt for a miracle drive was thwarted by a pickoff, sealing the victory for the Trojans.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair. Hudson’s earlier one-handed catch in the second quarter set up an early touchdown for Marks, but LSU responded with a touchdown of their own. Both teams traded field goals before entering halftime tied at 10.
The second half saw both teams exchanging scores. LSU took the lead on a touchdown pass from quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to Aaron Anderson, but USC responded with a touchdown pass from Moss to Ja’Kobi Lane. LSU tied the game again with a field goal, setting up the thrilling final drive by USC.
Moss finished the game with 27 completions on 36 attempts for a career-high 378 yards. Marks ran for 68 yards and two touchdowns. Nussmeier impressed in his debut for LSU, completing 29 of 38 passes for 304 yards, with Kyren Lacy leading all receivers with seven catches for 94 yards.
USC is expected to rise in the national rankings following their impressive victory and will host Utah State next weekend. LSU, on the other hand, faces a crucial test against Nicholls next week, hoping to bounce back from their opening loss.
