Life without Caleb Williams began for USC on Sunday night under the bright, national TV lights, and in Las Vegas no less.

And things went rather fine, as the 23rd-ranked Trojans upset No. 13 LSU, 27-20, behind a strong performance from Miller Moss, the guy who’s taking on the tough task of replacing Williams as USC’s quarterback. Moss, a junior from Los Angeles, threw for 378 yards and a touchdown, and he didn’t throw an interception in his coming out party.

Moss was also cool under pressure, leading 2 touchdown drives late in the 4th quarter as USC outlasted LSU in its 1st game as a member of the Big Ten. A key aspect of the game was a newfound identity for the Trojans, something Moss credited as being developed during the offseason.

“A large part to this offseason was us building an identity, as a team that really cares about each other, a tough, physical team, and a team that’s going to continue to respond to adversity,” Moss told ESPN after the victory. “I feel like obviously we still have a long ways to go, but I feel that was on display tonight.”

Moss waited his turn while playing behind Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft by the Chicago Bears, and it finally paid off on Sunday night.

“Still a long ways to go. I’m just really happy for the team. The way we fought and battled tonight through the ups and downs was awesome,” said Moss.