For the third straight season, LSU football has come up short against a tough Week 1 opponent, this time following a tough targeting penalty against the Tigers.

LSU had lost to Florida State in the last two season openers under third-year coach Brian Kelly. Despite a strong game from Garrett Nussmeier, No. 12 LSU dropped a 27-20 contest to No. 23 USC at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday.

USC's Woody Marks scored the game-winning touchdown on a 13-yard rush with eight seconds remaining to put the Trojans ahead for good in the back-and-forth contest, which featured three ties and two lead changes, both of which were in the fourth quarter. LSU kicker Damian Ramos had hit a 31-yard field goal with 1:47 remaining to tie the game at 20-20.

REQUIRED READING: LSU football drops another season opener as defense can't hold on in loss to USC

With just 1:47 to operate, USC quarterback Mason Miller moved USC down the field methodically, but was aided by a targeting call against LSU defensive back Jardin Gilbert, which moved the ball inside the 15-yard line and set up the game-winning score.

Miller was starting his second career game, taking the reins over for 2022 Heisman Trophy winner and 2024 NFL draft No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. Nussmeier was making his first start after taking over the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels, who attended the game.

Nussmeier finished with a 29-for-38 passing night for 304 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, while Kyren Lacy led the team with seven receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown. Emery Jones Jr. led the team with 10 rushes for 61 yards.

Miller completed 27 of 36 passes for 378 yards and a touchdown. Marks finished with 16 rushes for 68 yards and two scores. In an evenly fought game, LSU finished with 421 yards of total offense to USC's 447 yards.

The Trojans now lead the all-time series 2-1 over the Tigers. Here's a look back at highlights, scores and updates from the season-opener between LSU football and USC from Las Vegas on Sunday:

LSU vs USC score updates

This section will be updated when the game begins.

Final: USC 27, LSU 20

10:19 p.m.: No. 23 USC pulled off the 27-20 upset over No. 12 LSU in Las Vegas in the season-opener for both teams on Sunday. Woody Marks scored the game-winning 13-yard touchdown with seconds remaining in the contest. On the next drive, Mason Cobb picks off a pass from LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier to clinch the Trojans' victory.

USC was in a position to win the game following a costly targeting call against LSU defensive back Jardin Gilbert, who led with the crown of his helmet when trying to tackle USC receiver Kyron Hudson. The penalty put the Trojans in the red zone, and Marks scored on the very next play.

LSU ties game at 20-20 with less than 2 minutes remaining

10 p.m.: Damian Ramos hits a 31-yard field goal to even the game at 20-20 with 1:47 remaining. The Trojans will get the ball with one timeout remaining and a chance to win it. LSU still has all three timeouts remaining.

LSU driving with chance to tie or take lead late

9:54 p.m.: At the 2-minute timeout, LSU faces a second-and-7 trailing 20-17. Garrett Nussmeier hit Aaron Anderson for a 41-yard catch and run to move the Tigers into range to tie or take the lead late.

Mason Miller, USC re-take lead in fourth quarter

9:45 p.m.: It takes just three plays and USC has re-taken the lead at 20-17 on a 28-yard pass from Miller Moss to Ja’Kobi Lane with 5:44 remaining in the game. The drive takes just 1:13 off the clock, but the Trojans are ahead by a field goal.

9:39 p.m.: USC forces a three-and-out, including a stuffing of Emery Jones Jr. on third-and-short. The Trojans will start on their own 36 with 6:57 remaining.

LSU forces Mason Miller, USC into turnover on downs

9:34 p.m.: LSU’s defense forces a turnover on downs on a fourth-and-9. The ball was nearly picked off after Sai’vion Jones bats the ball down. LSU takes over on its own 21 following a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty. The Tigers lead 17-13 with 8:38 left in the game. USC burns two timeouts on the drive and has just one left.

9:21 p.m.: LSU is forced to punt after three plays to open the fourth quarter. USC will start on its own 15 following the punt.

End of third quarter: LSU 17, USC 13

9:15 p.m.: LSU holds a 17-13 lead after three quarters. The Tigers will have a first-and-10 from their own 39 to start the fourth quarter.

9:12 p.m.: A botched play on first down and a false start penalty doom the Trojans' drive, forcing them into a three-and-out. LSU will begin its drive on its own 23-yard line after the punt.

Garrett Nussmeier hits Aaron Anderson for go-ahead touchdown

9:06 p.m.: Garrett Nussmeier hits Aaron Anderson for a 13-yard touchdown to give LSU its first lead at 17-13 with 3:42 left in the third quarter. Running back John Emery Jr. gains 39 yards as the drive's biggest play. LSU had 55 rushing yards on the drive. The scoring drive went seven plays for 78 yards, taking 3:25 off the clock.

8:56 p.m.: A sack by Sai’vion Jones on third-and-5 forces USC into a 35-yard field goal from Michael Lantz to give the Trojans a 13-10 lead. Miller Moss hit Kyle Ford on a 41-yard pass on third-and-10 as the drive's biggest play. A pass interference on PJ Woodland on a third-and-8 aided the Trojans into the red zone. The scoring drive went nine plays for 59 yards, taking 4:14 off the clock.

8:44 p.m.: LSU's CJ Daniels is tackled short of the first down marker by a yard, forcing the Tigers into a three-and-out and a punt back to USC. The Trojans will start on their own 23 following the punt.

8:37 p.m.: USC goes three-and-out on its first drive of the second half. LSU will start on its own 27 after the punt.

8:35 p.m.: The second half is underway following a touchback from LSU. USC starts its drive on its own 25.

Halftime: USC 10, LSU 10

LSU-USC halftime stats

Here's a look at the quarterback comparison at halftime:

• Garrett Nussmeier: 20-of-24 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown

• Miller Moss: 13-of-16 passes for 176 yards

Some halftime stats of note:

• Total yards: USC 207, LSU 237

• Rushing yards: USC 31, LSU 46

• Passing yards: USC 176, LSU 191

• First downs: USC 10, LSU 14

• Time of possession: USC 10:57, LSU 19:03

Michael Lantz misses field goal before halftime

8:15 p.m.: USC's Michael Lantz misses a 29-yard field goal to end the first half. The kick went wide right and keeps the game level at 10-10 at the half. Both offenses came to life in the second quarter following a scoreless first quarter.

8:06 p.m.: Damian Ross hits a 45-yard field goal to even the game with 1:08 left in the first half. Kyren Lacey had a couple more catches on the drive and now has six catches for 97 yards.

7:54 p.m.: Following a costly block in the back on first-and-goal from the 5, USC is forced to kick a field goal to take a 10-7 lead with 4:21 left in the first half. The scoring drive was six plays, 37 yards, and took 2:35 off the clock. Miller Moss hit Duce Robinson for a 38-yard gain to open the drive.

7:44 p.m.: Kyren Lacy's unsportsmanlike penalty following his touchdown made LSU kickoff from 15 yards further back. This gave USC's Zachariah Branch plenty of room to return the kickoff 46-yard return to the LSU 43.

Garrett Nussmeier, Kyren Lacey connect for a game-tying TD for LSU

7:37 p.m.: LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier hits receiver Kyren Lacey for a 19-yard TD pass to even the score at 7-7 with 7:04 left in the first half. It was a nine-play, 75-yard drive for the Tigers, taking 3:56 off the clock. Lacey already has five receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown.

Woody Marks opens scoring for USC

7:26 p.m.: USC's Woody Marks opens the scoring with a 2-yard TD rush in the second quarter to give USC a 7-0 lead over LSU. The drive went eight plays for 87 yards in 3:49 off the clock for the Trojans. Kyron Hudson's one-handed grab proved to be the biggest play of the scoring drive.

Kyron Hudson makes a one-handed grab for USC

7:25 p.m.: USC wide receiver Kyron Hudson may have made the catch of the year, grabbing a pass behind him with one hand for a 24-yard gain to the LSU 17. The play was reviewed but the ruling on the field stands and the Trojans are in prime position to take the lead.

7:16 p.m.: Miller Moss completed a 17-yard pass to tight end Lake McRee to open the second quarter. Moss completed a 19-yard pass to Zachariah Branch near midfield two plays later.

End of first quarter: LSU 0, USC 0

7:11 p.m.: It's a scoreless game to end the first quarter. However, LSU will punt facing a fourth-and-5 from its own 47 to begin the second quarter. The Tigers already have 110 yards of offense to just 24 for the Trojans. Garrett Nussmeier is 10-for-12 passing for 81 yards.

7:05 p.m.: LSU's opening drive saw quarterback Garrett Nussmeier lead his team into USC's red zone before faltering and turning the ball over on downs. Kyren Lacey had a pair of catches on the drive. The Trojans pressured Nussmeier on a fourth-and-goal from the USC 3 to force the turnover on downs.

Miller Moss and USC needed two plays to get the Trojans' first down of the season; however, the drive stalled out and resulted in a punt.

Pregame

LSU-USC blacked out on DirecTV

6:33 p.m.: DirecTV users have been blacked out of the LSU-USC matchup on ABC following a dispute with the TV company and Disney. Viewers can watch the game on ESPN+.

No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels at LSU-USC game

6:00 p.m.: Former LSU Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels is in attendance of the top-25 matchup.

LSU's Chris Hilton is not dressed in warmups 

5:20 p.m.: The Advertiser's Cory Diaz tweeted that LSU wide receiver Chris Hilton (bone bruise) is not expected to play in Sunday's game vs. USC. Hilton is currently on the field, participating in warm-ups in street clothes. A big loss to the Tigers' offense.

LSU depth chart changes vs USC

5:10 p.m.: The Advertiser's Cory Diaz has noted the following changes to the depth chart for the Tigers, with Chris Hilton listed at X. Ahmad Breaux is listed behind Jacobian Guillory at DT. Javien Toviano is behind Major Burns at the star position

USC QB Miller Moss has arrived 

4:30 p.m.: USC quarterback Miller Moss has arrived at the stadium. Moss has made just one start in 18 career collegiate games. He had a six-touchdown performance in his lone start in the 2023 Holiday Bowl.

3:43 p.m.: Kickoff is still slightly less than two hours away at 6:30 p.m. CT, but the field has been set for the game between LSU and USC.

LSU vs USC "College GameDay" picks

ESPN's "College GameDay" crew, along with guest picker Johnny Manziel, predicted on Saturday the winner of Sunday's LSU vs. USC game. Four of the five selectors picked the Tigers, with Pat McAfee the lone dissenter picking the Trojans.

• Desmond Howard: LSU

• Lee Corso: LSU

• Pat McAfee: USC

• Nick Saban: LSU

• Johnny Manziel: LSU

• Kirk Herbstreit: Did not pick (calling game)

LSU vs USC time today

• Date: Sunday, Sept. 1

• Time: 6:30 p.m. CT

• Location: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas)

What channel is LSU vs USC game on today?

• TV channel: ABC

• Streaming: ESPN+ | Fubo (free trial)

The SEC-Big Ten matchup between LSU and USC to open the 2024 college football season will be broadcast on ABC. Rece Davis (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), and Holly Rowe (sideline reporter) will call the game from Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium, the home of the Las Vegas Raiders.

The game can be streamed on ESPN+, ESPN's streaming platform, or on Fubo, which carries ABC and the ESPN family of networks and offers a free trial to select users.

LSU vs USC history

• Series record: Tied, 1-1

• LSU's last win: Sept. 28, 1985 (23-3)

• USC's last win: Sept. 29, 1979 (17-12)

LSU vs USC predictions

Cory Diaz, The Lafayette Daily Advertiser: LSU 24, USC 21

"There won't be as many points as most Vegas lines are predicting as this will be an ugly game with both teams committing mistakes with turnovers. LSU gets just enough stops on defense to edge out USC for its first season-opening win since 2019."

Bill Bender, The Sporting News: LSU 35, USC 28

"It's a battle of beleaguered defenses, and LSU is trying to avoid a loss in the season opener for the fifth straight season. The Trojans are closer to home here, and Lincoln Riley can prove the hire of defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn right here. This is the Trojans' first matchup against an SEC opponent since the 52-6 loss to Alabama at Jerry World on Sept. 3, 2016 – a game now best-known for USC's ill-fated entrance to the field. Garrett Nussmeier delivers in the clutch for the Tigers in a back-and-forth thriller that Brian Kelly is now accustomed to."

Andrew Jett, Pick Dawgz: Go with LSU to cover vs. USC

"On defense, stopping the run will be a priority. The Tigers have given up over 2,000 rushing yards in each of the last two seasons, which isn’t going to cut it for LSU’s lofty ambitions. The good news is that the team has the size and talent to stop that trend in 2024. They’ll have a tough test right out of the gate, but I think the Tigers can power out a cover. Should be a fun one to watch regardless."

LSU vs USC betting odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Sunday, Sept. 1

• Spread: LSU -4.5

• Over/under: 64.5

• Moneyline: LSU (-190); USC (+160)

LSU vs USC injury updates

This will be updated.

LSU vs USC weather updates

Per AccuWeather

• Temperature at kick-off: xx degrees

Note: Allegiant Stadium is an indoor, closed-dome stadium.

LSU football schedule 2024

Here's a full look at the Tigers' 2024 schedule, including available start times and TV channel information:

All times Eastern.

• Sunday, Sept. 1: No. 12LSU vs. No. 23 USC | 7:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo) and ESPN+

• Saturday, Sept. 7: No. 12 LSU vs. Nicholls | 7:30 p.m. | SEC Network+ (ESPN+)

• Saturday, Sept. 14: No. 12 LSU at South Carolina * | Noon | ABC (Fubo) and ESPN+

• Saturday, Sept. 21: No. 12 LSU vs. UCLA

• Saturday, Sept. 28: No. 12 LSU vs. South Alabama | 7:45 p.m. | SEC Network (Fubo)

• Saturday, Oct. 5: BYE

• Saturday, Oct. 12: No. 12 LSU vs. No. 6 Ole Miss *

• Saturday, Oct. 19: No. 12 LSU at Arkansas *

• Saturday, Oct. 26: No. 12 LSU at No. 20 Texas A&M *

• Saturday, Nov. 2: BYE

• Saturday, Nov. 9: No. 12 LSU vs. No. 5 Alabama *

• Saturday, Nov. 16: No. 12 LSU at Florida *

• Saturday, Nov. 23: No. 12 LSU vs. Vanderbilt *

• Friday, Nov. 29: No. 12 LSU vs. Oklahoma *

* denotes SEC game

USC football schedule 2024

Here's a full look at the Trojans' 2024 schedule, including available start times and TV channel information:

All times Central.

• Sunday, Sept. 1: USC vs. No. 12 LSU | 6:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo) and ESPN+

• Saturday, Sept. 7: USC vs. Utah State | 10 p.m. | Big Ten Network (Fubo)

• Saturday, Sept. 14: BYE

• Saturday, Sept. 21: USC at No. 9 Michigan * | 2:30 p.m. | CBS (Fubo) and Paramount+

• Saturday, Sept. 28: USC vs. Wisconsin *

• Saturday, Oct. 5: USC at Minnesota *

• Saturday, Oct. 12: USC vs. No. 8 Penn State *

• Saturday, Oct. 19: USC at Maryland *

• Saturday, Oct. 25: USC vs. Rutgers * | 10 p.m. | Fox (Fubo)

• Saturday, Nov. 2: USC at Washington *

• Saturday, Nov. 9: BYE

• Saturday, Nov. 16: USC vs. Nebraska *

• Saturday, Nov. 23: USC at UCLA *

• Saturday, Nov. 30: USC vs. No. 7 Notre Dame

* denotes Big Ten game

LSU football news

(insert some of the most relevant headlines to your team in bullets)

• 'Protector': How loss, love and his father's legacy shaped LSU football's Emery Jones

• LSU football's Brian Kelly: NIL QR codes on helmets take away 'collegiate' feel of game

• LSU football QB Garrett Nussmeier relieves some 'uneasiness' for Brian Kelly. Here's why.

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This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: LSU vs USC: Tigers lose Week 1 opener vs Trojans