What the USC football team needs to do today to take down LSU

Finally, the USC football season has arrived. After months of rebuilding and regrouping following an 8-5 season in 2023, the Trojans have an opportunity to make waves today by beating No. 13 LSU in Las Vegas.

This is one of the marquee games in the nation for week one and a stand-alone Power 4 matchup on Sunday. Thus, all eyes will be on the Trojans and the Tigers.

There is no doubt that this game could mean quite a bit to Lincoln Riley and his program. With a win, the Trojans vault into the College Football Playoff conversation.

However, a defeat would put a ton of pressure on USC in three weeks when the trip to Michigan arrives. If the Trojans enter that game just 1-1 on the season then they will face the very real possibility of a 1-2 start, which could end most realistic hopes of earning an at-large playoff bid.

So let's look at what the Trojans must do to take down the Tigers this evening. And we will begin with a look at a matchup that most people think will go LSU's way.

USC must stop the LSU ground game

LSU comes into this season returning four starters from a good 2023 offensive line. Meanwhile, there are questions about the depth and quality of the Trojans' defensive line.

So look for the Tigers to try to exert some dominance by running the ball right at USC. Last year, LSU ran for over 204 yards per game, which was 10th best in the naiton.

Yes, LSU has a new play caller this year and their leading rusher from 2023, Heisman Trophy-winning QB Jayden Daniels is now in the NFL. Thus, there will be new faces trying to run the ball for the Tigers.

Still, expect LSU to try to demoralize the USC defense by pounding the ball into the front seven of the Trojans' resistance. If USC can keep that from being a successful tactic, then the defense could make a statement and help lead the way to a win.

USC must give Miller Moss time in the pocket

One adjustment for USC this year is that the QB position is no longer capable of making magic happen when all heck breaks loose in the pocket. Caleb Williams could evade pressure and create big plays when avoiding the rush the past two seasons but that's not what 2024 QB Miller Moss does. Thus, keeping the rush from harassing Moss will be paramount today.

LSU has questions along its defensive line. Last year, the Tigers ranked only 42nd nationally in sacks per game at 2.38. They will look to improve upon that starting this evening.

The Tigers will try to come at the Trojans' offensive line in waves using depth to make up for the lack of a proven star pass rusher. If the revamped Trojan offensive line can hold up, then Moss could pick apart the Tigers' defense.

USC must win in in the kicking game

Finally, the Trojans must find a way to dominate the kicking game. That's where a player such as 2023 All-American kick returner Zachariah Branch could be a difference-maker.

This game should be close. So every time the ball is kicked, momentum could be up for grabs. That's why USC needs to ensure that its special teams are indeed special.

Every time Branch has an opportunity to return a kick, he needs to take it as a chance to flip the game. Of course, LSU will try its best to limit his return opportunities but Branch will get some chances at returns and he needs to break one or two long ones.

Also, the Trojans have to be solid when they attempt field goals and extra points. Last year, that was a problem as the Trojans ranked 109th nationally in field-goal percentage. To win today, new kicker Michael Lantz must be on point.

In five years as a collegiate, he's been a 79.5% kicker on field goals. He was also 23-28 (82.1%) a season ago for Georgia Southern. Today, he has to be effective because every point could be crucial in what appears to be a toss-up game.