USC Trojans defensive end Lorenzo Cowan (37) makes a confetti angel on the field after a 27-20 win over the LSU Tigers in the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic at Allegiant Stadium. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
In Lincoln Riley ’s third year as coach, the Trojans have a defense. New starting quarterback Miller Moss passed for 378 yards and transfer running back Woody Marks scored a pair of touchdowns during the Trojans’ season-opening 27-20 victory over No. 13 LSU.
Trojans make their way onto the field for warm-ups before the game against the LSU Tigers at Allegiant Stadium on Sept. 1 in Las Vegas. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
LSU Tigers cornerback Ashton Stamps (1) leaps over a lineman in pursuit of USC Trojans quarterback Miller Moss (7) during second-half action in the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic at Allegiant Stadium. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
LOS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 01: Wide receiver Kyron Hudson #10 of the USC Trojans makes a one-handed catch for a 24 yard completion to complete a first down past safety Major Burns #8 of the LSU Tigers and linebacker West Weeks #33 of the LSU Tigers during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024 in Los Vegas, Nevada. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times
Las Vegas, Nevada, Sunday, September 1, 2024 - USC Trojans wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (8) hauls in a touchdown pass over LSU Tigers cornerback Ashton Stamps (1) to pull ahead late in the second half at the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic at Allegiant Stadium. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times
LSU Tigers running back Kaleb Jackson (28) is tackled by USC Trojans defensive tackle Nate Clifton (99) during second-half action in the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic at Allegiant Stadium. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
LSU Tigers defensive tackle Jay'viar Suggs (31) and USC Trojans offensive lineman Elijah Paige (72) reach for a muffed lateral during second-half action in the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic at Allegiant Stadium. Paige recovered the fumble. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) is tackled by LSU Tigers safety Sage Ryan (3) in the first half of the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic at Allegiant Stadium. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
USC Trojans defensive end Sam Greene (44) celebrates with family in the stands after a 27-20 win over the LSU Tigers in the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic at Allegiant Stadium. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
USC coach Lincoln Riley celebrates with the team after a 27-20 win over the LSU Tigers. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times .