LAS VEGAS, NV – Running back Woody Marks 13-yard touchdown run with eight seconds remaining helps #23 USC knockoff #13 LSU 27-20 in the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic at the Allegiant Stadium.
The late score remaining USC coach Lincoln Riley of his time as the coach of Oklahoma when his team defeated archrival Texas in a tie game when a 33-yard run into the end zone with 3 seconds left beat the Longhorns.
“I told someone on the headset, ‘It wouldn’t surprise me if he creases this,'” Riley said. “And, of course, it happened.”
USC got the final possession after a back and forth game and was able to drive 75 yards to pick up the big win over their SEC foe.
Quarterback Miller Moss who was starting his first game of year passed for 378 yards and a touchdown and his 20-yard completion to Kyron Hudson and a targeting penalty on LSU with 18 seconds to go set up the winning score.
“We worked really hard throughout the offseason to build the identity of a tough team that really cares about each other,” Moss said.
Moss was very efficient going 27 of 36 in a battle of quarterbacks who waited their turns after sitting behind the two most recent Heisman Trophy winners.
The Trojans receivers made plays for Miss throughout the day especially Hudson who made a spectacular catch in the first half that set the tone for the receiver group.
Hudson led USC with five catches and 83 yards. Ja’Kobi Lane caught the only touchdown pass for the Trojans to go along with 50 yards.
Marks who scored the game-winning touchdown ran for 68 yards and two scores.
The offense was able to protect the ball throughout the game to keep the game in reach.
The defense performed well in their first game action under new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn. They kept the Tigers under wraps keeping them from making big plays.
It was only fitting that the defense closed the show in front of the 63,969 raucous fans that sometimes felt like Baton Rouge West. It was a record number in attendance for the home of the Las Vegas Raiders.
LSU quarterback Garret Nussmeier final pass of the game was intercepted by USC linebacker Mason Cobb.
After this tone-setting win, the Trojans will play their first home game of the year this week against Utah State on Saturday night.
