USC upsets LSU in Las Vegas during Week 1 of college football
- USC defeated LSU 27-20 in the Modelo Kickoff Classic, marking the only upset in AP Top 25 action.
- LSU opened as 6.5-point favorites but closed as 4-point favorites, with a majority of bets placed on them.
- The week featured unexpected outcomes, highlighting the unpredictability of college football and setting the stage for an exciting season.
In Week 1 of the college football season, Southern California achieved a significant victory over LSU in Las Vegas, winning 27-20. The game was part of the Modelo Kickoff Classic, where USC outscored LSU 14-3 in the fourth quarter, marking it as the only true upset among the AP Top 25 teams. LSU had opened as 6.5-point favorites but saw a shift in betting as the game approached, closing as 4-point favorites. A majority of the bets and money were placed on LSU, indicating strong public confidence in their performance. In addition to USC's upset, another surprising outcome was Penn State's decisive 34-12 win against West Virginia, which was unexpected given West Virginia's status as a 7.5-point underdog. This game also attracted significant betting interest, with West Virginia being the second-most bet team. Meanwhile, Notre Dame managed to secure a 23-13 victory over their opponent, continuing a positive trend against the spread when underdog status is considered. The betting landscape for college football was marked by several close calls and unexpected outcomes, with teams like Duke and Army experiencing last-minute changes in their games that affected betting results. The overall week showcased a mix of anticipated performances and surprising results, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. As the season progresses, these early upsets and betting trends will likely influence how teams are perceived and how future games are wagered upon. The outcomes from Week 1 serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of college football, where any team can emerge victorious against the odds.