Woody Marks' touchdown run with just 8 seconds remaining secured a 27-20 victory for No. 23 USC against No. 13 LSU.

LAS VEGAS -- — Lincoln Riley experienced a moment of nostalgia as he recalled his time coaching Oklahoma three years prior. During that season, the Sooners were engaged in a tightly contested match against their long-standing rival, Texas. With the game tied and only three seconds remaining, a decisive 33-yard run into the end zone secured a victory over the Longhorns. Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Riley recognized that all No. 23 Southern California required on Sunday night was a field goal. Consequently, a running play was designated for Woody Marks, who successfully advanced 13 yards through the middle to score with just 8 seconds left, ultimately leading to a 27-20 triumph over No. 13 LSU.

“I told someone on the headset, ‘It wouldn’t surprise me if he creases this,'" Riley said. “And, of course, it happened.”

 Miller Moss achieved a passing total of 378 yards along with one touchdown, highlighted by a crucial 20-yard completion to Kyron Hudson. A targeting penalty against LSU with just 18 seconds remaining facilitated the decisive score by Marks in the season opener for both teams. This marked Marks' second touchdown run. "We dedicated ourselves throughout the offseason to establish the identity of a resilient team that genuinely supports one another," Moss stated. In a competitive matchup, Moss outperformed LSU's Garrett Nussmeier, who completed 29 of 38 passes for 304 yards, contributing two touchdowns but also throwing an interception during the final drive. Moss demonstrated similar efficiency, completing 27 of 36 passes in a contest between quarterbacks who had previously waited their turns behind the two most recent Heisman Trophy winners, Jayden Daniels of LSU and Caleb Williams of USC.

 In their inaugural season competing in the Big Ten Conference, USC made a significant statement with this victory in the teams' first encounter in four decades, indicating that the Trojans could be a competitive force following a disappointing 8-5 record last year. "That was some impressive Big Ten football today," Riley remarked with a grin. This victory was achieved against a Southeastern Conference opponent eager to assert its place in the College Football Playoff. While LSU will still have opportunities to bolster its case, this marks the Tigers' third consecutive loss in a season opener under coach Brian Kelly and their fifth consecutive defeat overall. Additionally, LSU's four-game winning streak from the previous season has been halted.

“We didn't play complementary football,” Kelly said. “But the thing that is most concerning for me are the personal fouls, the penalties that are selfish. They're undisciplined penalties. That falls back on me. We take pride in running a disciplined program, but we have clearly not done a good enough job there because it impacted the game.”

 The Tigers constituted approximately 60% of the audience at Allegiant Stadium, which recorded an unprecedented attendance of 63,969, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Baton Rouge. The event also featured notable personalities, including LSU legends Shaquille O'Neal and Daniels, who brought along his Heisman Trophy. Additionally, former USC Heisman recipients Marcus Allen and Matt Leinart were present. The first half was highlighted by two remarkable receptions. Hudson executed a spectacular leap, extending his right hand to secure the ball and bring it into his body for a 24-yard completion at LSU's 19-yard line. This play was upheld following a video review and led to a 2-yard touchdown run by Marks, giving the Trojans a 7-0 lead just four minutes into the second quarter. In response, LSU's Kyren Lacy made an impressive catch, twisting to ensure his right foot was in bounds for a 19-yard touchdown, leveling the score midway through the quarter.

 Both teams encountered missed opportunities during the game. The Tigers were halted on downs after advancing to the USC 3-yard line, while Trojans kicker Michael Lantz failed to convert a 29-yard field goal attempt to the right as the first half concluded. The Trojans could have utilized an additional 30 to 40 seconds on their final possession; however, Coach Riley chose not to call a timeout prior to LSU equalizing the score with a 45-yard field goal by Damian Ramos with 1:08 remaining. The contest was competitive, with the Trojans seizing a 20-17 advantage with 5:44 left in regulation when Moss connected with Ja'Kobi Lane for a 28-yard touchdown. Ramos subsequently tied the game with a 31-yard field goal, leaving 1:47 on the clock. This proved to be ample time, as Moss orchestrated an eight-play, 75-yard drive to secure the victory for the Trojans.