It was the beginning of a new era for both USC and LSU, but only one of them had an ideal start.

Miller Moss, who replaced No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, had ice in his veins and stormed down the field late to help the 23rd-seeded Trojans to a 27-20 victory over 13th-seeded LSU on Sunday night in Las Vegas.

With the score tied at 20-20 with 1:47 left and one timeout, that was all USC needed. Moss completed his first five passes on the drive, and with 18 seconds left, Kyron Hudson made his second one-handed catch of the night, putting the Trojans within field goal range.

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Southern California Trojans running back Woody Marks (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the LSU Tigers in the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. (Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports)

After the reception, LSU’s Jardin Gilbert was called for targeting, which allowed the Trojans to get to the LSU 13. Woody Marks then scored his second point of the night to put USC ahead 27-20 with eight seconds left. Garrett Nussmeier’s first pass for a miracle shot was intercepted, nearly giving USC the win.

The aforementioned Hudson had already made what could be considered the catch of the year earlier in the second quarter of the game, and the Trojans found the end zone two plays later on a point by Marks to take a 7-0 lead.

Southern California Trojans running back Woody Marks (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the LSU Tigers in the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. (Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports)

LSU PLAYER CITED FOR UNSPORTSMANLY CONDUCT AFTER PRETENDING TO SHOOT GUN AFTER TOUCHDOWN

However, LSU scored a touchdown on the ensuing drive through Kyren Lacy. After the touchdown, however, he appeared to be shooting a gun, resulting in a 15-yard penalty on the kickoff. USC took advantage, but ultimately had to settle for a field goal. LSU tied the score and USC missed a field goal just before the end of the half, leaving the team in the locker room with a 10-10 tie.

Both teams traded punts early in the second half, but USC hit the center of the goal posts midway through the third quarter. However, LSU responded with a seven-play, 73-yard touchdown drive that ended with Nussmeier’s second touchdown, this time to Aaron Anderson.

Midway through the fourth quarter, USC stood at the LSU 36-yard line and decided to go for it on fourth-and-9, but Moss’ pass was incomplete. But after forcing a three-and-out, the Trojans needed just three more plays to take the lead when Moss found Ja’Kobi Lane for an impressive over-the-shoulder touchdown catch to put USC ahead 20-17 with 5:44 left. LSU, however, kicked a field goal on its next drive to tie the game. But it clearly wasn’t enough.

Moss completed 27 of his 36 passes for a career-high 378 yards, while Marks rushed for 68 yards on 16 carries, two of which resulted in touchdowns.

Southern California Trojans quarterback Miller Moss (7) throws a pass against the LSU Tigers in the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. (Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports)

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As a replacement for reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, who was selected directly after Williams in the NFL Draft, Nussmeier impressed with 29 of 38 passes for 304 yards – Lacy was the best receiver with seven passes caught for 94 yards.

USC is expected to make a decent jump in the rankings and will head home to host Utah State on Saturday, but it will be interesting to see where LSU ends up since they host Nicholls next weekend.

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