I have high hopes for USC this season.
The previously awful defense should take tremendous steps forward with new defensive coordinator Danton Lin, who did a great job at UCLA.
Lin has a roster of transfers who can play at all three levels, including star nose tackle Bear Alexander (transfer from Georgia), linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (transfer from Oregon State) and safety Kamari Ramsey (UCLA).
On the other hand, replacing Caleb Williams doesn't seem likely to result in a significant drop in offensive power.
USC vs. LSU pick
New QB1 Miller Moss threw for 400 yards and six touchdowns in last season's Holiday Bowl against Louisville, and the Trojans have the most explosive downfield target (and punt returner) in the Big Ten in Zachariah Branch.
The line still needs to come together, but the Trojans' offense shouldn't have any issues with LSU's defense not being there.
The Tigers finished 124th in EPA per play last year, failing task after task.
They have a new defensive coordinator (Blake Baker) and a talented front-seven defender (Harold Perkins), but I'm not sure their room for improvement is as high as USC's.
There are serious questions about the talent, especially in the defensive backfield.
LSU boasted the nation's best offense last season, but the Tigers lost a Heisman-winning quarterback (Jayden Daniels) and two first-round draft picks at wide receiver (Malik Neighbors and Bryan Thomas).
The offensive line may be one of the best in the country, but with new QB1 Garrett Nussmeyer, who is far less mobile than Daniels, and a cast of inexperienced skill position players, it's fair to expect the Tigers to be less explosive.
Do you bet on college football?
At the very least, there's a chance it will be a shootout on Sunday, and I'd bet Moss and the Trojans can keep up that pace for 60 minutes.
The Trojans also have a big advantage on special teams, which can make a big difference in close games.
theater: USC +4.5 (Fanduel)
