LAS VEGAS – The crowd at Allegiant Stadium held their breath as Woody Marks scored on a 13-yard run with just 8 seconds left, securing a thrilling 27-20 victory for No. 23 Southern California over No. 13 LSU on Sunday night.

It was a heart-stopping showdown between Miller Moss of USC and Garrett Nussmeier of LSU, with Moss ultimately stealing the spotlight by passing for 378 yards and a crucial touchdown. His remarkable 20-yard completion to Kyron Hudson, followed by a targeting penalty on LSU, set the stage for Marks’ game-winning heroics.

The tension was palpable as Moss and Nussmeier showcased their skills in a battle of quarterbacks who finally got their chance to shine. With both teams eager to make a statement in their season opener, USC managed to edge out LSU, signaling their potential as contenders this season.

The matchup was not just about the game but also a clash of legacies, with former Heisman winners and NFL greats in attendance. The electric atmosphere, reminiscent of a home game for LSU, added to the drama of the night.

Two extraordinary catches, one by Hudson and the other by Lacy, defined the first half and set the tone for an exhilarating game full of surprises and missed opportunities. The see-saw battle kept fans on the edge of their seats until Marks’ late-game heroics sealed the deal for USC.

USC’s victory over LSU not only marks a triumphant start to their Big Ten Conference play but also underscores their resilience and determination to bounce back from a disappointing season last year. On the other hand, LSU will need to regroup and refocus after suffering their third consecutive season-opening loss under coach Brian Kelly.