LSU OL Will Campbell Says Tigers' 2024 CFB Opener vs. USC Will Be 'Fistfight'

LSU star left tackle Will Campbell is expecting an intense battle when the Tigers take on USC at Allegiant Stadium in the season opener for both teams on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Campbell said the showdown between the two top-25 teams is going to be a "fistfight."

Intense physical battles aren't synonymous with USC football. They haven't finished higher than 91st in FBS in points allowed per game since 2020.

The Trojans allowed at least 28 points in each of their final 10 games last season. That included an eight-game stretch in which the opposing team averaged 42.4 points per contest.

LSU was hardly a defensive juggernaut in 2023. The 28.0 points allowed per game was the second-highest in a single season for the program since 1994 (34.9 in 2020).

This game may not resemble the type of slugfest that would historically be associated with LSU football, but it could be a close matchup between two very intriguing teams that are replacing Heisman-winning quarterbacks.

Garrett Nussmeier will be tasked with taking over for Jayden Daniels. The junior quarterback has appeared in 18 games over the past three seasons. He has thrown for 1,720 yards, 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Miller Moss will get the call for USC after Caleb Williams' stellar two-season run with the program. Moss showed a lot of promise in the Trojans' Holiday Bowl win over Louisville in December. He finished 23-of-33 for 372 yards with six touchdowns and one interception.

LSU is entering this season ranked No. 13 in the Associated Press Top 25 preseason poll. USC also cracked the list at No. 23.

Even with an expanded 12-team playoff this season, one of these teams will be at a steep disadvantage to make the field with a loss right out of the gate.

USC and LSU will play on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET.