In a game that had the intensity of a playoff matchup, fueled by an electrifying atmosphere at Allegiant Stadium, the USC Trojans secured their first AP top-15 victory since 2017 and marked the first signature win of the Lincoln Riley era.
The thrilling contest concluded in dramatic fashion when Woody Marks dashed 13 yards into the end zone with just eight seconds remaining, igniting a euphoric celebration among the Cardinal & Gold fans that perfectly matched the energy of a Sin City weekend. Here are three key takeaways for the Men of Troy.
USC Trojans Have An Unflappable Leader
Miller Moss’ outstanding performance extended far beyond his impressive stat line of 27 completions on 36 attempts for 378 yards and one touchdown. What made this night exceptional was his ability to execute every type of throw—back shoulder, fade, zip, touch, in rhythm, and off-platform—while also showing a willingness to stand in the pocket and take hits.
On the Trojans’ final two drives, Moss completed 7 of 8 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown, leading both possessions to the end zone. He displayed Brady-like composure, particularly on the last drive, using the entire field with a level of maturity almost unheard of for someone making just his second career start.
The team that falters first usually loses in a match between two almost equal teams. Garrett Nussmeier botched a zone read intended for running back John Emery Jr. and then simply short-armed a ball into the flat on the last LSU possession, which lasted less than two minutes and saw the Tigers reach second down inside the USC Trojans red zone and in position to grab the lead again.
This was followed by a forced throw on 3rd down where it seemed like he briefly hesitated, almost calling a timeout.
Nussmeier wavered, while Moss remained unshaken. That was the difference, leading to the Trojan Family celebrating late into the night, while Brian Kelly angrily pounded on tables in frustration.
A Front Seven From The Ashes
This was undoubtedly the most gratifying aspect of the USC Trojans’ victory. Had USC won a high-scoring battle, 45-42 or 49-45, we would have left Las Vegas with the same concerns as in 2023, questioning whether USC’s defense was strong enough to make this program a legitimate playoff contender.
However, winning a game in this defensive manner, 27-20, was the perfect result for the program’s future. The front seven, facing four NFL-caliber offensive linemen and arguably the best unit in college football, held the Tigers to just 117 rushing yards on 26 attempts.
While they didn’t record a sack and managed only three tackles for loss, their ability to consistently disrupt LSU between the tackles and their refusal to let up, allowing just one big running play all night, is what enabled Moss to emerge as the game’s hero.
Weapons By Committee
There were questions across the nation about how this young group of receivers would step up and follow in the footsteps of Tahj Washington and Brenden Rice. A standout performance based on merit saw seven Trojan players gain at least 20 receiving yards, with Zachariah Branch’s dazzling open-field moves stealing the show.
However, the true highlight of the night was Kyron Hudson, who captivated everyone with two stunning one-handed catches—the first of which could easily be a contender for the ESPY Play of the Year in college football. Few would have predicted Hudson as the game’s standout wideout, but his performance is a testament to the deep pool of offensive talent the Trojans have—certainly a nightmare matchup for any team left on their schedule.
Questions remain about the offensive line’s ability to create running lanes, how the front four will consistently pressure the quarterback, and the secondary’s level of aggressiveness. But those are concerns for another day—for now, USC Trojans fans everywhere can celebrate the program’s biggest victory in nearly a decade.
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