A Clash of Tigers in Death Valley
The hype was real. A packed, orange-out, sold-out Death Valley set the stage for a marquee showdown between No. 4 Clemson and No. 9 LSU. It wasn’t just about the matchup, it was about streaks. LSU came in trying to shake off five straight season-opening losses, while Clemson was hoping to secure its first opening win since 2022. Add in the coaching chess match between Brian Kelly and Dabo Swinney, and the anticipation was buzzing even before kickoff.
And while the atmosphere lived up to the billing, the game itself turned into a defensive grind. Big plays were scarce, both quarterbacks were tested, and in the end, LSU made just enough to escape with a 17–10 win.
First Quarter: A Defensive Tone
Clemson won the toss and deferred, but LSU quickly set the tone with a 24-yard run from running back Caden Durham. The drive looked promising until defensive end T.J. Parker stepped up with a third-down stop, halting LSU’s opening push.
Clemson’s first offensive series wasn’t as sharp, Cade Klubnik was dropped for a sack by LSU’s PJ Woodland, forcing a three-and-out. But the defense immediately swung momentum back. LSU tight end Bauer Sharp coughed up the ball after a hit from defensive back AJ Terrell, and Ricardo Jones pounced on the recovery.
That takeaway set up Clemson’s first points, as kicker Nolan Hauser drilled a 42-yard field goal midway through the quarter. Death Valley roared as LSU burned an early timeout with 6:55 remaining, the noise clearly rattling Brian Kelley’s offense. Clemson’s defense forced another punt, but the Tigers’ own offense stalled again. A fake 62-yard field goal attempt turned punt kept the crowd buzzing, but the first quarter closed with Clemson holding a slim 3–0 edge.
Second Quarter: Randall Pushes Clemson Ahead
Early in the second quarter, Clemson’s defense came up big again. Will Heldt recorded the team’s first sack of the season, dropping Garrett Nussmeier for a 12-yard loss. LSU salvaged the drive with a booming 52-yard field goal to tie the game at 3–3.
Clemson’s offense finally showed signs of life soon after. Klubnik connected with receiver TJ Moore for a 26-yard strike over the middle, then kept the drive alive on fourth-and-two by finding Bryant Wesco Jr. for a clutch 21-yard pickup. On fourth-and-goal at the one-yard line, Adam Randall bulldozed into the endzone to put Clemson ahead 10–3.
LSU threatened late in the half, methodically moving the ball inside Clemson’s 15. With just seconds before the break, Ronan Hanafin jarred the ball loose on a fourth-down attempt, and Kylon Griffin recovered. Klubnik took a knee, and Clemson jogged into halftime leading 10–3.
Third Quarter: Missed Chances
Receiving the ball to start the half, Clemson looked sharp. Klubnik hit Olsen Patt-Henry for 19 yards and then Wesco Jr. for another 19, quickly moving into LSU territory. But the promising drive ended in frustration as Hauser missed a 48-yard field goal attempt.
LSU immediately flipped the script. Nussmeier strung together completions of 39, 14, and 16 yards before Durham capped the drive with a rushing touchdown to knot things up at 10–10.
Disaster struck for Clemson on the very next play, as Klubnik was intercepted by Mansoor Delane. The defense held firm, nearly surrendering a touchdown on a corner shot to Barion Brown, but LSU’s 46-yard field goal attempt sailed wide.
Neither offense found much rhythm the rest of the quarter, and the game moved to the fourth deadlocked at 10.
Fourth Quarter: LSU Finds the Breakthrough
The stalemate finally broke when Nussmeier lofted a strike to Trey’Dez Green in the back of the endzone, giving LSU its first lead of the night at 17–10.
Clemson had multiple chances to respond. Klubnik found Christian Bentancur for a 20-yard gain, but a fourth-and-five attempt fell incomplete, giving the ball back to LSU. The defense answered with stops, forcing back-to-back punts, but Clemson’s offense continued to sputter.
With time winding down, Klubnik connected with Moore for 19 yards and Tyler Brown for 17, moving the Tigers deep into LSU territory. But on fourth-and-four from the 15-yard line, the pressure collapsed the pocket. Klubnik’s rushed throw fell incomplete, sealing the game.
LSU kneeled it out, ending Clemson’s bid for a statement win.
Notable Stats & Notes
- Clemson’s run game was nonexistent, finishing with just 31 rushing yards.
- The offensive line struggled, giving Klubnik little time to operate.
- Klubnik’s line: 19-for-38, 230 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT, 8 carries for 1 yard.
- Nussmeier: 28-for-38, 230 yards, 1 TD.
- Durham: 17 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD.
- Clemson’s offense overall looked flat and inconsistent, unable to finish drives.
Game Takeaways
1. Defense Gave Clemson a Chance
Despite tough field positions and quick turnarounds, Clemson’s defense held LSU to just 17 points and forced multiple fumbles. Ronan Hanafin’s forced turnover late in the first half was the highlight.
2. Run Game Concerns
With only 31 rushing yards, Clemson had no balance offensively. The lack of push up front put pressure squarely on Klubnik, who had to shoulder too much of the load.
3. Missed Opportunities Defined the Night
From Hauser’s missed field goal to stalled red zone drives and failed fourth-down conversions, Clemson left too many points off the board. LSU capitalized when it mattered most.
4. Klubnik’s Struggles Continue
While he showed flashes with key completions, Klubnik’s overall night reflected inconsistency. His interception and late misfires under pressure proved costly.
Ahead to Troy
Final score: LSU 17, Clemson 10.
Death Valley was rocking, but Clemson’s opener ended in disappointment. The Tigers will look to regroup quickly, with Troy coming to town next weekend for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff.
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