LSU Controls the Trenches and Clemson’s Plan in Season Opener
The Forever Hyped Week One
The forever hyped Week One, and rightfully so, did not start well for the Tigers of Clemson. After an entire offseason of hearing the hype, with even some national media buying in, things did not look as expected under the lights in Clemson, South Carolina. What many failed to take into account was that Brian Kelly and LSU had plenty to prove as well. In the end, Clemson’s hype-heavy storyline took a backseat.
Clemson’s Offensive Struggles
Clemson was touted all offseason for a dominant offense that was expected to return. Losing Antonio Williams to an injury in the first quarter certainly did not help, but that was not the main reason for Clemson’s predictable approach.
The real issue came on the ground. LSU’s defensive front completely bottled up Clemson’s run game, holding them to 31 rushing yards on 20 carries. Cade Klubnik was sacked twice, losing 22 of his 24 yards lost. Even if Cade would have finished without losing any yardage, Clemson would have finished with only 55 rushing yards. That is a glaring problem, one that forces the Tigers into a one-dimensional offense that will not win games against quality opponents.
Pressure on Klubnik
While limiting the ground game, LSU made sure to keep Klubnik uncomfortable. PJ Woodland and Harold Perkins Jr. each had sacks, but the story went beyond the numbers. Klubnik was hurried five times, flushed out of the pocket, and never really allowed to settle in rhythm. Klubnik finished 19-for-38 with 230 yards and an interception.
No touchdowns on the night, for a QB that has several weapons to use. Have to credit LSU for that.
Brian Kelly admitted that was the game plan. The plan was to get Klubnik out of rhythm, pressure him, and force him outside the pocket. He credited his defense for containing Clemson’s quarterback and eliminating any chance at support from the running game.
Kelly summed it up clearly. “Any quarterback that doesn’t have a running game, it becomes predictable. We had some predictable down and distances because they could not run the football.”
LSU Dictates the Game
LSU used that edge and controlled the flow, while also making some halftime adjustments. “Then I look up at the scoreboard and they say, like, Dabo’s 115 and 11 when he’s leading at half. I’m like, oh, it’s going to be 12, but we got to go do something about it,” said Brian Kelly.
The second half really told the story as LSU held the ball for 20:33 compared to Clemson’s 9:27. Time of possession was the difference in wearing down Clemson’s defense, and making sure that Clemson had limited opportunities to control the game.
“We couldn’t just be a one-trick pony and throw the ball all over the yard. We have to control it. And when you play really good teams, you have to shorten the game in some instances. I thought tactically we did a great job… the real difference offensively was the ability to carve out a running game against a really good defense,” Kelly said.
LSU finished with 108 rushing yards, led by Caden Durham’s 74 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown. Garrett Nussmeier managed the game well, going 28-for-38 for 238 yards and a touchdown. Nothing about LSU’s attack looked predictable.
Clemson’s defense only managed one sack, courtesy of Will Heldt, and hurried Nussmeier twice the entire night. LSU’s offensive front held firm, giving Nussmeier time and carving out holes in the running game.
What It Means for Clemson
Yes, LSU has a strong front on both sides of the ball, but these are the caliber of teams Clemson has to beat if the goal is to win a National Championship. It is just Week One, and the cliché says the greatest improvement comes between Week One and Week Two.
Having said that, you do not win off clichés. You have to show it. Clemson’s next game is against Troy, and we will see how it all looks then. Even if Clemson comes out to be the team everyone expected on Saturday, the lingering thought will remain. They did not succeed against a highly ranked SEC opponent, and at home…
Stay tuned and updated with Tiger View Media, as we bring you news, recaps, and stories for Clemson Football this season.
