USC's Marks scores late TD, Lynn's defense shines in opener

LAS VEGAS-- The Vegas Kickoff Classic was a memorable event as Woody Marks scored a 13-yard rushing touchdown with eight seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, leading USC to a 27-20 victory over LSU on Sunday night at Allegiant Stadium.

D'Anton Lynn, who came over from UCLA, made his mark in his first game as USC defensive coordinator by constructing a strong defense during the offseason. USC held LSU to 20 points and only allowed them to convert 5 out of 13 third-down opportunities.

The Tigers were trying to run the ball inside, but Lynn had different plans. LSU's running back, John Emery Jr., gained 62 yards on 10 carries.

Despite allowing 124 rushing yards, the defense was able to contain LSU. Josh Williams ran for 34 yards, while Kaleb Jackson contributed 18 yards.

Kyron Hudson made the catch of the year in the first game of the season by reaching with his right hand to make a 24-yard completion to LSU's 19-yard line.

Moments later, Marks rushed for a 2-yard touchdown to score the first points of the game after both teams were unable to score in the first quarter.

In the season opener for both teams, Miller Moss astounded with 378 passing yards and a crucial touchdown. His game-changing 20-yard completion to Kyron Hudson, along with a targeting penalty on LSU with just 18 seconds left, set the stage for Marks to secure the winning score.

LSU's Garrett Nussmeier completed 29 of 38 passes for 304 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception on the final drive.

The Tigers were stopped on downs after advancing the ball into the red zone. USC's Michael Lantz missed a 29-yard field goal to the right as the first-half clock expired. Lantz ended up making 2 out of 3 attempts during the night.

Zachariah Branch excelled on the field, making four catches for 56 yards despite being targeted only five times in the game. Hudson also proved to be a valuable asset for LSU's defense, accumulating 83 receiving yards on five catches.

The Trojans took a 20-17 lead with 5:44 remaining in the fourth quarter, making the game quite entertaining.

Moss connected with Ja'Kobi Lane for a 28-yard touchdown on a free play after LSU was called for offsides.

The Tigers' Damian Ramos kicked a 31-yard field goal to tie the game with 1:47 left on the clock.

Moss drove for 75 yards in the last minute, setting up Marks for the game-winning touchdown.

Lincoln Riley was impressed with his team despite having new players on both sides. Riley credited how hard they worked and how well they trusted each other on the field. The noise surrounding the team since last season is not concerning for Riley.

"I don't coach for the media, I don't coach for headlines," Riley said postgame. " We just try and do what's best in our program."

Lincoln Riley was impressed with his team despite having new players on both sides. Riley credited how hard they worked and how well they trusted each other on the field. He also mentioned that the noise surrounding the team since last season is not concerning for him.

Riley shares his thoughts on the outside noise and confidence that LSU carried into the game about their run game.

"They had every right to be confident, but so did we. We just didn't talk about it in the media." Riley said.

The biggest takeaway from the game was how dynamic this new defense under Lynn is becoming.USC' DE Braylan Shelby shared his thought about the defense after the game.

"This new defensive identity is way different than previous years. We hold ourselves accountable." Shelby said.