5 takeaways from LSU football’s season-opening loss to USC

Sep 1, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr. (3) defends a pass intended for Southern California Trojans wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane (8) during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Another kickoff, another letdown for LSU. For the fifth straight year, LSU dropped its season opener. All five losses came at the hands of power conference opponents, all in games where LSU was favored.

This time, it was USC’s turn to deliver the season-opening blow to LSU. Lincoln Riley’s offense marched down the field in the final minute to break a 20-20 tie with a Woody Marks touchdown. LSU got the ball back with eight seconds left, but a [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] interception sealed a 27-20 win for USC.

LSU had several chances to take control of this game in the second half, but USC stuck around and eventually made the plays in the fourth quarter. The Tigers lacked the signature explosive plays that made the 2023 offense the best unit in the country and [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag]’ legs were sorely missed.

Brian Kelly entered his third year at LSU with high hopes. With the playoff expanding to 12, postseason hopes aren’t completely dashed, but LSU’s margin for error is slim the rest of the way.

Nussmeier finished with 304 yards and two touchdowns while John Emery led LSU on the ground with 10 carries for 64 yards.

Here are five takeaways from LSU’s loss to USC.

Garrett Nussmeier meets expectations

It’s hard to put this loss on Nussmeier. The redshirt junior was impressive, completing 29 of 38 passes for 304 yards and two scores. Nussmeier looked like a veteran, checking calls at the line of scrimmage and taking what the USC defense gave him.

Nussmeier protected the football and did a fine job taking calculated risks. [autotag]Kyren…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/5-takeaways-lsu-footballs-season-035007516.html

Author : LSU Tigers Wire

Publish date : 2024-09-02 03:50:07

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