There was a university soccer recreation Sunday evening, however the vibe in Las Vegas, Nevada, was that of a marquee boxing bout being hosted proper there on the strip.
No. 23 USC and No. 13 LSU confronted off in what felt like a warm-up to the Faculty Soccer Playoff, the 2 heavyweights buying and selling physique blows for 60 minutes.
At one level followers had been scratching their eyes pondering LSU nice Odell Beckham Jr. had re-appeared in a crimson and gold jersey when Kyron Hudson made a one-handed snag within the first half.
Finally, the Trojans had their Rocky Balboa second, scoring a game-winning landing with eight seconds remaining to knock off a top-15 opponent for the second straight recreation going again to final yr’s Vacation Bowl.
Listed here are three massive takeaways from the top-25 matchup:
1. USC’s protection is quite a bit higher and that is excellent news for its offense
Per the Related Press, the Trojans completed 116th out of 130 FBS groups in whole protection final yr, regardless of a prolific offense that featured quarterback Caleb Williams. Sunday was a special story, nevertheless. USC’s protection held LSU to simply 20 factors on 421 whole yards Sunday, relieving some stress from its offense on key drives. If that play stays constant in a tricky Huge Ten schedule, USC might trigger some waves in its convention debut.
2. LSU wasn’t that dangerous, however the street forward is hard
Over 400 whole yards on offense is not dangerous in any respect however LSU’s faults got here in two locations: on third downs and on protection. The Tigers had been 5-for-13 on third down Sunday, shedding out on treasured possessions and factors at important junctures. And giving up a speeding landing on a two-minute drill was a back-breaker. A concentrating on name assisted the Trojans in getting inside putting distance but when LSU’s protection had achieved its job, the sport would have doubtless seen time beyond regulation.
Brian Kelly is now 0-3 in season-openers since becoming a member of LSU, and the season is not a bust by an extended shot… but. The Tigers’ schedule will get more durable from right here on out, with 4 extra ranked opponents coming late within the season. They’re going to nonetheless have a shot, however it’ll require close to perfection going ahead.
3. USC is about as much as make a run on the playoff
After Sunday’s good show, USC could have satisfied ballot voters that it ought to swap locations with LSU within the prime 15. Consistency shall be key going into convention play. The excellent news, it will keep away from No. 3 Oregon and No. 2 Ohio State within the common season. The dangerous information, No. 9 Michigan (Sept. 21), No. 8 Penn State (Oct. 12) and No. 7 Notre Dame (Nov. 30) are doubtless required wins to qualify for the 12-team playoff.
