The NCAA season kicked off with a blockbuster: Clemson Tigers vs. LSU Tigers in Death Valley. The matchup revived memories of the 2019 national championship, when Joe Burrow’s LSU dismantled Clemson 42–25. This time, fans worldwide tuned in again to watch two powerhouses collide.
LSU entered the season ranked ninth after a mediocre 2024. They missed the playoff but beat Baylor 44–31 in the Texas Bowl. Head coach Brian Kelly lost several stars to the NFL, including tackle Will Campbell, drafted fourth by the Patriots. Still, senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier looks ready to lead. He threw for over 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns last year and enters the Heisman race as a serious contender.
Clemson came in stronger, ranked fourth after a 10–4 season. They reached the ACC final, beat SMU, but fell to Texas in the playoff. The Tigers have three national titles (1981, 2016, 2018) and hope to return to glory behind quarterback Cade Klubnik. Calm under pressure, he also ranks among the top Heisman candidates.
1st Quarter
LSU started fast. Sophomore running back Caden Durham ripped off a 25-yard run on the first play. But Clemson’s defense held firm and forced a punt. Clemson’s first drive also stalled after LSU’s blitz sacked Klubnik on third down.
On LSU’s second drive, Nussmeier’s pass was fumbled and Clemson’s Ricardo Jones recovered. The turnover led only to a field goal, but Clemson struck first, 3–0.
Late in the quarter, Klubnik moved Clemson downfield with a sharp passing series, but LSU’s defense held. The Tigers from Louisiana regained possession as the clock ran out.
2nd Quarter
LSU opened the quarter with a long drive, capped by a 53-yard field goal to tie the game 3–3. Clemson answered. Klubnik hit a key fourth-down conversion, then Adam Randall powered in from the 1-yard line. Clemson led 10–3.
LSU tried to respond before halftime. They reached the red zone but failed on fourth down with 15 seconds left. Clemson’s stop gave them momentum heading into the break.
3rd Quarter
Clemson’s offense sputtered after halftime, missing a field goal. LSU took advantage. Nussmeier connected on big passes of 39 and 14 yards, then Durham punched in his first touchdown of the year. LSU tied it at 10–10.
Moments later, Klubnik overthrew a receiver, and Mansoor Delane picked it off. LSU threatened again, but a reviewed pass ruled incomplete killed the drive. Both teams traded punts, and the game stayed even entering the fourth.
4th Quarter
LSU struck first. Nussmeier found Trey’Dez Green for an 8-yard touchdown to take the lead, 17–10.
Clemson’s Christian Bentancur fought hard on the next drive, breaking tackles after a big catch, but LSU’s defense forced another punt. With under two minutes left, Clemson reached the red zone, facing fourth-and-4. Klubnik’s pass fell incomplete.
LSU took over, Nussmeier kneeled, and the Louisiana Tigers sealed a huge 17–10 road win over a top-five team.
Clemson will need a response in Week 2 against Troy. LSU, meanwhile, looks ready to chase another playoff run.
