Defense, Defense, Defense, that’s all was all the talk pre-game of the USC vs LSU showdown this past weekend. Heading into the matchup no. 23-ranked USC and 13-ranked LSU were the talk of week 1 as both programs had a lot to prove not only to fans but to themselves.
LSU and USC offseasons were one alike, both lost Heisman-winning QBs, both ushered in longtime back-ups who excited fans with bowl game performances in the previous season, and both teams were coming off a season where the defense was the Achilles heel. Changes on the defensive side of the ball happened as there was an overhaul of staff for both programs with USC welcoming Defensive Coordinator D’Anton Lynn, and LSU welcoming back Blake Baker. Expectations were high as fans and experts knew the team whose defense made the plays when it mattered would win. They were right but also wrong.
To start, Lsu took the opening possession and marched down the field to USC’s seven-yard line, only to stall out and get stuffed on a 4th down run( reoccur theme). USC took over, and while they made plays, they ended the drive by punting the ball. It was a defensive stand in the first quarter as both teams employed a bend-don’t-break mentality. In the second quarter, both offenses came alive, with USC striking first blood scoring a rushing touchdown, with LSU responding shortly after with a passing touchdown to Wide Receiver Kyren Lacy. They ended the half with trading field goals and with the score being 10-10.
USC received the kickoff in the second half and while they started strong they ended their drive with a field goal. LSU responded with a receiving touchdown to wide receiver Aaron Anderson, the score now 17-13, and this is when fans on both sides held their breath as they knew a shift was coming. Both defenses stood tall as they held the opposing offense scoreless for a quarter and a half until the Trojans were able to break through the wall and score a touchdown with five minutes left on the clock, and USC took the lead 20-17. LSU fans while coming into the game weren’t worried about their offense and learned quickly that a miracle would have to take place to rev the engine as the offense grew stale as the game went on.
LSU marched down the field breaking off two big runs that put them in the red zone, but after a rare miss from LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier to Aaron Anderson and a penalty on the next play(a common occurrence), LSU had to settle for a field goal to tie the game up with less than 2 minutes on the clock with USC only having one time out.
Everybody was thinking overtime, but Lincoln Riley and QB Miller Moss were thinking differently. After trading blows with LSU’s defense, Moss was able to find the open receiver on back-to-back plays, which put them near field goal range. But after two offside penalties, they were taken out of range, and it was looking like LSU could get the ball back with time to spare. Moss hiked the ball on a 3rd and long and immediately tossed it down the left sideline with wide-open receiver Kyron Hudson waiting to make another play of the game. With the catch and withstanding a hard hit from the safety ( Resulting in targeting) USC was moved to the 13-yard line and in prime position to kick the field goal and go home with a win. Riley instructed the offense for one more play to get the ball spotted correctly for the kicker, but instead on the play, RB Woody Marks ran up the middle for a 13-yard score, essentially icing the game.
USC won 27-20 in a thriller that ensured fans that the Trojans may be back with a vengeance and a defense they can rely on during the season.