No. 13 LSU suffered its fifth consecutive season-opening loss, falling 27-20 to No. 23 USC in a tightly contested game in Las Vegas. USC quarterback Miller Moss led a decisive game-winning drive, completing 27 of 36 passes for 378 yards and a touchdown, while LSU's Garrett Nussmeier performed admirably with 304 yards and two touchdowns, though he threw a critical interception late in the game. LSU's defense struggled with discipline, committing 10 penalties that directly impacted their performance, prompting head coach Brian Kelly to express his frustration over the team's lack of discipline and inability to close out games. LSU had opportunities to secure the win but faltered in key moments, including a failure to convert on fourth down in the first possession and settling for field goals instead of touchdowns. The loss highlights ongoing issues for the Tigers, particularly in maintaining focus and execution in high-pressure situations. Overall, while the offense showed promise, the defensive lapses and penalties proved too costly against a resilient USC team.