LSU football: 5 major takeaways from the 2024 football schedule
By John Fye
Favorable Opening Game
Week 1 games against a non-conference power five opponent at a neutral site have yet to be kind to LSU football in the Brian Kelly era. Indeed, the Tigers have dropped college football kickoff games against Florida State in back-to-back seasons. However, I think such a trend will change for LSU in 2024.
The first LSU football game of the new season will be in Las Vegas, where they will play USC at Allegiant Stadium.
September 1st will mark the first time the Tigers have faced Lincoln Riley since the 2019 Peach Bowl. It's also the first time LSU has played USC since its 1984 victory over the Trojans in Los Angeles.
Unlike 2022-23 Florida State, 2024 USC does not feature the defensive talent in the trench capable of giving LSU fits. Riley replaced his defensive coordinator this offseason, but the Trojans still need elite gap-fillers and edge rushers.
On the other side of the field, Caleb Williams is a Chicago Bear by the time the Vegas Kickoff Classic is played. Miller Moss looked fantastic against Louisville in the Holliday Bowl, but the Cardinals did not pack the punch that Kelly's Tigers will in 2024.
I expect LSU football to beat USC by multiple scores and begin the season 1-0 for the first time under Kelly.