#13 LSU Tigers at #23 USC Trojans Week 1 Preview: Best Bet, Odds & Prediction
Vegas Showdown: Breaking Down the Key Matchups, Betting Odds, and Predictions as LSU Takes on USC in a High-Scoring Week 1 Battle
Matthew Horner - Aug 28, 2024, 4:12pm EDT
Week 1 Matchup Preview: #13 LSU Tigers at #23 USC Trojans
Date: Saturday, August 31, 2024, 7:30 PM ET
Location: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas, NV)
BetMGM Odds: LSU -200, LSU -4.5, O/U 63.5
The 2024 college football season opens with a high-octane showdown between the #13 LSU Tigers and the #23 USC Trojans. On Saturday, August 31, at 7:30 PM ET, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV will host this explosive matchup. With LSU favored and expectations of a high-scoring affair, both teams will be eager to make a statement. In this preview, we’ll break down the key matchups, analyze betting odds, and offer expert predictions for what promises to be an exhilarating Week 1 battle.
My Best Bet: USC +4.5 | USC ML +165
While this game will be played on a neutral field, it is very clear which side of this game the sharps are on. The USC Trojans opened as +6 underdogs and have already been bet down to +4.5, with a significant amount of money heading their way. They may not have QB Caleb Williams anymore, but Lincoln Riley’s team is still loaded with offensive talent. The defense was just dreadful last season but is expected to at least make a bit of improvement in 2024. QB Miller Moss, who replaces Williams, flashed a lot of potential in his limited appearances. Any signal-caller in Riley’s system typically has a lot of success, and I would expect the same out of Moss.
Meanwhile, LSU lost a ton of players and talent to the NFL Draft over the offseason, including their Heisman-winning QB Jayden Daniels. Garrett Nussmeier will replace him under center and has thrown for 11 TDs and 7 INTs so far in his career. I expect him to be quite good as the season goes on, but he could start a little slower out of the gate, at least compared to Moss on the other side. The defense is still expected to be a weak spot, and the total being as high as 63.5 makes sense considering. Keep in mind that since this game is in Las Vegas, USC’s campus is just a few hours away.
At the time of this writing, I’m seeing just 38% of the consensus money is on USC’s spread, yet the line has moved quite drastically in their direction. That tells me where the respected money has been going. Not only have I already bet on the Trojans at +4.5, but I think they certainly have a great chance to win this game outright.
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