40 Facts About LSU Score

LSU vs. USC: A Historic Matchup

The 2024 season opener between LSU and USC was a game for the ages. Held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, this clash marked the first meeting between these two powerhouses in four decades. Let's dive into the key moments and facts that made this game unforgettable.

1. Game Result: USC triumphed over LSU with a final score of 27-20.

2. Game-Winning Play: Woody Marks secured the victory for USC with a 13-yard touchdown run, leaving just 8 seconds on the clock.

3. Quarterback Performance: USC's Miller Moss threw for 378 yards and one touchdown, showcasing his skills as a first-year starter.

4. LSU's Garrett Nussmeier: Nussmeier completed 29 of 38 attempts for 304 yards and two touchdowns but threw a crucial interception during the final drive.

5. Notable Passes: Moss's 20-yard pass to Kyron Hudson set up the game-winning drive, while a targeting penalty against LSU with 18 seconds left paved the way for Marks' decisive score.

Key Plays and Moments

The game was filled with spectacular plays and pivotal moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

6. Field Goals: Damian Ramos of LSU made a 45-yard field goal, which was later equalized by USC's Ramos with a 31-yard field goal.

7. Spectacular Catches: Kyron Hudson's 24-yard leap and Kyren Lacy's twisting 19-yard touchdown catch were highlights of the game.

8. First Half Score: The first half ended in a 10-10 tie, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.

9. Second Half Score: USC took a 20-10 lead with 5 minutes left, but LSU's Ramos equalized with a 31-yard field goal, leaving 1:47 on the clock.

10. Game-Winning Drive: Moss led an eight-play, 75-yard drive to secure USC's victory.

Attendance and Atmosphere

The game drew a massive crowd and featured appearances by notable figures, adding to the electric atmosphere.

11. Attendance Record: The game set a record with 63,969 attendees at Allegiant Stadium, predominantly LSU supporters.

12. Notable Figures: LSU legends Shaquille O'Neal and Jayden Daniels, along with former Heisman winner Marcus Allen, attended the game.

LSU's Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the loss, LSU has a rich history and numerous opportunities to bounce back this season.

13. Season Opener: This marks LSU's third consecutive season-opening defeat under coach Brian Kelly.

14. USC's Big Ten Debut: The game marked USC's inaugural season within the Big Ten Conference.

15. College Football Playoff: The loss sets back LSU's ambitions for the College Football Playoff, but opportunities remain.

16. Defensive Coordinator Changes: Both teams made changes at defensive coordinator, indicating a focus on improving their defenses.

Predictions and Pregame Hype

Leading up to the game, predictions and pregame hype added to the excitement.

17. Predictions: Despite predictions favoring LSU, USC's performance under new quarterback Miller Moss proved decisive.

18. Pregame Hype: USC's hype video received positive reactions on social media, adding to the excitement.

Injury Updates and Weather Conditions

Injury updates and weather conditions played a role in the game's dynamics.

19. Injury Updates: No significant injuries for USC, while LSU's WR Chris Hilton was questionable and OL Miles Frazier probable.

20. Weather Conditions: The game was played under sunny skies with a high of 103 degrees, but the closed-dome stadium provided a comfortable environment.

USC's New Era and LSU's Traditions

The game marked new beginnings for USC and highlighted LSU's rich traditions.

21. USC's New Era: This game marked the beginning of a new era for USC under coach Lincoln Riley.

22. LSU's New Quarterback: Garrett Nussmeier made his full-time debut as LSU's starting quarterback.

23. Historical Significance: The game was USC's first matchup against an SEC opponent since 2016.

24. LSU's Traditions: LSU continues to uphold its rich traditions, including the live mascot program, Mike the Tiger.

LSU's Academic and Economic Impact

Beyond football, LSU has a significant academic and economic impact.

25. LSU's Mission: LSU aims to be a leading research-extensive university, challenging students to achieve their highest potential.

26. Research Expenditures: LSU's research expenditures totaled $368 million in FY2021, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence.

27. Economic Impact: LSU's economic impact on Louisiana is estimated at $6.1 billion.

28. Student Population: With over 35,000 students, LSU is one of the larger institutions in the country.

LSU's Athletic and Academic Programs

LSU offers a wide range of athletic and academic programs, contributing to its reputation as a comprehensive university.

29. Athletic Teams: LSU has 16 Division I athletic teams, reflecting its strong commitment to sports.

30. Academic Programs: LSU is one of only eight universities with a law school, dental school, medical school, veterinary school, and an elite MBA program.

Interesting Facts About LSU

LSU's history is filled with interesting facts and traditions that add to its unique identity.

31. Pleasant Hall: Pleasant Hall is thought to be haunted, adding a spooky element to LSU's campus.

32. Original Colors: LSU's original colors were blue and white, changed to purple and gold in 1893 using leftover Mardi Gras streamers.

33. Alma Mater: LSU's alma mater is sung proudly by current students and over 166,000 alumni worldwide.

34. Tiger Twelve: Each spring, LSU recognizes 12 outstanding seniors through the Tiger Twelve program.

35. Storied Moments: LSU has a rich history, from its founding in 1860 to its current status as an elite research university.

36. Mike the Tiger: The live mascot program, including Mike VII, is part of LSU's long-standing tradition.

37. Hey Fightin' Tigers: The tune to “Hey Fightin’ Tigers” was set to a song from the Broadway musical Wildcats, customized with tiger-centric lyrics.

38. Community Engagement: LSU is dedicated to changing lives through learning, research, and community engagement.

39. Future Ambitions: Despite the loss, LSU still has opportunities to make its case for the College Football Playoff.

40. Game's Outcome: The 2024 season opener between LSU and USC highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

LSU's Season Opener: A Rollercoaster Start

LSU's 2024 season opener against USC was a nail-biter that ended in a 27-20 loss. Despite Garrett Nussmeier's impressive 304-yard performance, a late interception and a game-winning touchdown run by USC's Woody Marks sealed the Tigers' fate. The game, held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, drew a record crowd of 63,969, mostly LSU fans. This defeat marks LSU's third consecutive season-opening loss under coach Brian Kelly, putting a dent in their College Football Playoff ambitions. However, the season is young, and LSU has time to bounce back. The game also highlighted the beginning of USC's Big Ten era, with Miller Moss throwing for 378 yards. Both teams have room for improvement, especially on defense. LSU fans remain hopeful, looking forward to the rest of the season with cautious optimism.