No. 23 USC scores a last-second touchdown to defeat No. 13 LSU.

 It marked the start of new eras for both USC and LSU, but only one team enjoyed a perfect beginning.

Miller Moss, stepping in for No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, showcased remarkable composure as he led the 23rd-ranked Trojans to a thrilling 27-20 victory over No. 13 LSU in Las Vegas on Sunday night.

With the game tied at 20 and just 1:47 left on the clock, USC was poised for a final drive. Moss completed his first five passes, and with 18 seconds remaining, Kyron Hudson made a spectacular one-handed catch to put the Trojans within field goal range.

Following the reception, LSU’s Jardin Gilbert was penalized for targeting, moving the Trojans to the LSU 13-yard line. Woody Marks then rushed for his second touchdown of the night, giving USC a 27-20 lead with only eight seconds left. Garrett Nussmeier's first attempt at a game-winning drive ended in an interception, sealing the victory for USC.

Earlier in the game, Hudson had already made a highlight-reel catch in the second quarter, leading to a touchdown by Marks that put the Trojans ahead, 7-0.

LSU quickly responded with a touchdown from Kyren Lacy, who drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for pretending to shoot a gun after scoring. This penalty gave USC an opportunity, but they had to settle for a field goal. LSU matched the score, and USC missed a field goal before halftime, sending the teams into the locker room tied at 10.

The second half began with both teams exchanging punts, but USC struck first with a field goal midway through the third quarter. LSU answered with a seven-play, 73-yard touchdown drive, capped off by Nussmeier’s second touchdown pass, this time to Aaron Anderson.

In the fourth quarter, USC found themselves at the LSU 36-yard line and went for it on fourth down, but Moss’ pass fell incomplete. However, after forcing a three-and-out, the Trojans needed only three plays to regain the lead, as Moss connected with Ja’Kobi Lane for an impressive over-the-shoulder touchdown grab, putting USC ahead 20-17 with 5:44 remaining. LSU then tied the game with a field goal, but it wasn’t enough.

Moss had an outstanding performance, completing 27 of 36 passes for a career-high 378 yards, while Marks rushed for 68 yards on 16 carries, scoring two touchdowns.

In his debut as the starter, Nussmeier, who replaced reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, completed 29 of 38 passes for 304 yards, with Lacy leading all receivers with seven catches for 94 yards.

USC is expected to rise in the rankings as they prepare to host Utah State next Saturday, while LSU will look to bounce back against Nicholls.