No. 15 Oregon Ducks Edge Out No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies in Overtime Thriller

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In a dramatic season opener in Las Vegas, No. 23 Southern California (USC) pulled off a thrilling 27-20 victory over No. 13 LSU, thanks to a last-minute 13-yard touchdown run by Woody Marks with just eight seconds remaining. This decisive play was set up by a crucial 20-yard pass from Miller Moss to Kyron Hudson, coupled with a targeting penalty against LSU that positioned USC for the game-winning score.

Moss, who threw for an impressive 378 yards and a touchdown, outshined LSU's Garrett Nussmeier in a matchup of quarterbacks who had patiently waited for their opportunities after backing up recent Heisman Trophy winners—Jayden Daniels for LSU and Caleb Williams for USC. Moss's efficiency, completing 27 of 36 passes, was key in leading USC to victory.

This win sends a powerful message as USC embarks on its first season in the Big Ten Conference, indicating that the Trojans are ready to be serious contenders after a disappointing 8-5 record last year. For LSU, the loss marks their third consecutive season-opening defeat under coach Brian Kelly, halting a four-game winning streak that dated back to the previous season. Despite this setback, LSU still has opportunities ahead to prove themselves as a contender for the College Football Playoff.

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The atmosphere at Allegiant Stadium was electric as the No. 23 USC Trojans faced off against the No. 13 LSU Tigers in front of a record-breaking crowd of 63,969—a gathering that felt almost like a home game for LSU, with around 60% of the fans donning the Tigers' colors. The event was star-studded as well, with LSU legends like Shaquille O'Neal and Jayden Daniels, the latter bringing his Heisman Trophy along. Former USC Heisman winners Marcus Allen and Matt Leinart were also in attendance, adding to the spectacle.

The first half was defined by two remarkable catches. USC's Kyron Hudson made a spectacular 24-yard reception, leaping high and stretching out his right hand to reel in the ball before pulling it into his body, a play that set up Woody Marks' 2-yard touchdown run, putting the Trojans ahead 7-0 early in the second quarter. LSU's Kyren Lacy responded with his own highlight-reel catch, twisting mid-air to secure a 19-yard touchdown, just keeping his right foot inbounds to tie the game.

Both teams had their share of missed opportunities. LSU was stopped on downs after driving to USC's 3-yard line, while USC's kicker Michael Lantz missed a 29-yard field goal attempt as the first half ended. USC could have had additional time on their final possession before the half, but coach Lincoln Riley chose not to call a timeout before LSU tied the game with a 45-yard field goal by Damian Ramos with 1:08 remaining.

The second half saw the game continue to swing back and forth. USC took a 20-17 lead late in the fourth quarter when Moss connected with Ja'Kobi Lane for a 28-yard touchdown. LSU's Ramos tied the game again with a 31-yard field goal, but it left USC with 1:47 on the clock—more than enough time for Moss to orchestrate an eight-play, 75-yard drive, culminating in Woody Marks' game-winning 13-yard touchdown run with just eight seconds left.