With just hours remaining until the start of tonight’s 2024 LSU football vs. USC matchup, here are four predictions on what fans can expect to see from coach Brian Kelly and his squad in week one.
LSU football vs. USC: Four predictions ahead of the 2024 week one matchup
1. Four (or more) freshmen see the field for LSU
Well Tiger fans, the time has finally arrived. It’s officially game day, and that means it’s time to see what the 2024 LSU football roster has in store this year.
When looking at years past, head coach Brian Kelly hasn’t exactly been one to stray away from playing true freshmen. Even so, it hasn’t exactly been something that he’s explored too much in the first game of each of the last two seasons against the Florida State Seminoles.
With that said, he also hasn’t been nearly as vocal about his freshmen over the last two years as he has this offseason. As a matter of fact, just this past week while speaking with the media, he expressed interest in seeing at least a couple first-year players make an impact over in Las Vegas against the Trojans of USC.
“I think on the offensive side of the ball, there’s less likely of that kind of scenario happening,” coach Kelly said on Thursday. “I think defensively you could see a couple of freshmen get on the field. I think Ahmad Breaux is probably the one guy that could see the most action. He’s the most ready, physically and mentally to play for us.”
The Tiger head coach also mentioned the possibility of playing players like cornerback PJ Woodland and safety Dashawn Spears, both of which have impressed throughout the spring and summer.
While Kelly didn’t exactly rush to mention any other names, this freshman class does feel different, and from a physicality standpoint, it might be nearly impossible to keep some of them off the field in this week one matchup.
Some other big-time names that have received plenty of attention this offseason include tight end Trey’Dez Green, defensive lineman Dominick McKinley and defensive end Gabriel Reliford. While it’s ultimately up to the Tiger head coach if they make it into the game or not, they’ll certainly be ready if the time comes, and it very well could for four or five of those future stars.
2. Tiger pass rush shines, totals 4+ sacks
Welcome back to Louisiana, coach Blake Baker. Let’s see if you can work some magic in 2024.
Heading into the offseason, head coach Brian Kelly clearly had a goal of improving defense for this coming season, and step one was clearing house on that side of the ball. Not long after firing just about his entire defensive coaching staff, he quickly put together an All-Star group led by secondary coach Corey Raymond, defensive line coach Bo Davis and defensive coordinator Blake Baker.
While a full revamping of a roster doesn’t exactly happen over night, the rumblings around campus lend to at least an ounce of confidence that we could see some serious production improvements as early as week one.
One of the staples of a Blake Baker defense is the fact that they love to live in the backfield. This could mean big things for returning stars like Bradyn Swinson, Da’Shawn Womack and Harold Perkins Jr, who thrive in a pass rush setting.
Add in the fact that USC runs an air raid offensive system, and there’s little doubt that the Tiger defense will have plenty of opportunity to get after quarterback Miller Moss throughout this evening. Look for LSU to send their speed rushers all game, which very well could lead to a surprisingly high sack total by the end of the night.
3. Kaleb Jackson, Josh Williams combine for 150+ yards rushing
If coach Brian Kelly and LSU want any chance at coming away with a victory today, they’re going to not only need to be the more physical team, but they’ll need to keep the ball away from Lincoln Riley and that explosive USC offense.
How does one accomplish that, you might be asking? Run. The. Ball.
LSU is heading into the 2024 season with possibly the very best offensive line in college football, and what makes it even better is the fact that they have two proven running backs who know how to keep a defense on its toes.
Senior leader Josh Williams will more than likely get the start at running back tonight, but I’d expect sophomore Kaleb Jackson to at least split carries with the veteran thanks to his pass catching ability to go along with sneaky good speed and an eye-popping 6-foot, 235-pound frame.
Running the ball should be a priority for LSU, especially in the first half of tonight’s game. If they’re able to utilize their physicality, then there’s no reason that they shouldn’t be able to get the running back duo well over 150 total yards on the day.
4. Final score prediction
While this is undoubtedly going to be an offensive battle first and foremost, tonight’s point total very well could be lower than most fans are expecting. I expect coach Brian Kelly to try and use his team’s physicality and lean on the 2024 USC defense throughout the early portions of this game, potentially leading to some downfield shots later on in the night.
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is the leader of this team, but the running backs might end up being the reason LSU comes out on top in this week one matchup, and it will all be thanks to their big offensive line up front.
Ultimately, this game should be a fairly close battle throughout the day, but it’s truly up to the defense if the purple and gold want to head home with a W. No one simply out-offenses Lincoln Riley, so Blake Baker and his entire defensive coaching staff will need to be the X-factor today.
Final score prediction: LSU 41, USC 31
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