USC vs. LSU: Picks, Predictions and Odds

The penultimate game of Week 1 in the 2024 college football season features a primetime Sunday night clash between the USC Trojans and the LSU Tigers.

This much-anticipated clash in Las Vegas, scheduled for 7:30 PM ET on ABC, pits two top-25 teams against each other.

USC vs. LSU betting picks and predictions

USC +4.5 (-110)

USC enters as a 4.5-point underdog, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding both teams. However, USC has the potential to cover this spread, thanks to a dynamic offense and an improving defense under new defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn.

Lynn, who turned UCLA's defense around from 87th in 2022 to 11th in 2023, faces a challenge against an LSU offense now led by Garret Nussmeier.

Nussmeier, who takes over from 2023 Heisman-winner Jayden Daniels, is paired with a new offensive coordinator, Joe Sloan, Daniels' former quarterback coach.

Nussmeier showed promise in LSU's bowl victory over Wisconsin, throwing three touchdowns. LSU's highly-regarded offensive line should provide him with ample protection, but USC's secondary, featuring John Humphrey, DeCarlos Nicholson and Kamari Ramsey, could pose a challenge.

On the offensive side, USC is led by quarterback Miller Moss, who stepped into the spotlight with a six-touchdown performance in the Trojans’ bowl win over Louisville.

Supported by explosive playmakers like Zachariah Branch and Duce Brown, USC's offense remains potent despite the loss of 2022 Heisman-winner Caleb Williams to the NFL.

LSU’s pass rush, which struggled last season, and a secondary that had difficulty in coverage, could find it challenging to contain USC’s aerial attack.

While LSU's physicality and defensive front may give them an edge, USC's ability to exploit LSU's defensive weaknesses makes the Trojans a strong pick.

Over 64.5 Total Points (-110)

Both USC and LSU are known for their high-scoring offenses, and this game should be no different.

Last season, both teams participated in games that averaged over 70 points. Despite the changes at quarterback, both offenses remain loaded with talent and are led by coaches who excel at putting points on the board.

USC will rely on its playmakers on the outside, with Branch and Brown posing constant scoring threats. Moss should have plenty of opportunities to connect with them downfield. LSU, meanwhile, will look to Nussmeier to efficiently distribute the ball, supported by a strong offensive line.

Defensively, both teams were among the nation's worst in defensive EPA (Expected Points Added) last season, ranking 118th and 119th respectively. Despite offseason changes, including LSU's new defensive coordinator Blake Baker, it’s unlikely that either defense will dominate this matchup.

With both teams likely to score frequently and neither defense looking capable of consistently stopping the other, betting on the Over 64.5 total points is an attractive option.

A final score around 38-35 in favor of LSU seems plausible, though this could be conservative given the offensive firepower on both sides.

Read more betting picks and predictions for College Football on site.

USC vs. LSU odds

USC	+165 ML
LSU	-200 ML
Spread	LSU -4.5
Total Points	O/U 64.5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.