New year, new me? Bayou Bengal fans certainly hope so, and we have potential streak-ending keys to LSU at Clemson. After five years of opening weekend losses, we don’t know if LSU’s approach to scheduling is courageous or crazy. But as Brian Kelly emphasized this week, we’re here to talk about 2025.
The battle of Tigers and Death Valleys will cap off a spectacular Saturday of high-profile matchups. The teams offer an intriguing blend of pressure and anticipation for different reasons. Dabo Swinney is a championship coach who “only” wins ten games a year and doesn’t use the portal. Kelly is the second-winningest active coach in the country, but has never won big. The only thing more noticeable than the chips on their shoulders is the talent on their rosters.
LSU at Clemson
Louisiana Stating the Obvious
Let’s start at the most maligned position group in the game, the LSU offensive line. The Tigers from Baton Rouge lost four starters to the NFL after underachieving in the run game in 2024. The line appeared to be a weakness going into Spring practice, and nothing has happened since to convince us otherwise. Kelly gave some not-so-encouraging thoughts on the group this week.
“You’ll see at least six or seven, could be as many as eight offensive linemen playing for us,” Kelly stated with a straight face. LSU fans can only hope that this comment is similar to most of his jokes in that nobody else realizes it’s a joke. This game will be decided quickly if LSU throws out so many different combinations against a defensive line of Clemson’s caliber. Half of the Clemson defensive line consists of defensive tackle Peter Woods and edge rusher TJ Parker, projected as top-ten draft picks.
We think the rotation will be a little tighter. But here’s the thing – LSU doesn’t have to dominate the trenches. A quick counter to Spring an explosive back like Caden Durham or Harlem Berry can force the Clemson defense to play honestly. Offensive Coordinator Joe Sloan called a balanced offense to help his quarterback. Variability is the best protection; don’t be one-dimensional. Of course, expect a few quick passes, screens, and rollouts to keep Garrett Nussmeier clean.
Containing Klubnik
Clemson’s Cade Klubnik was third in the country in passing touchdowns in 2024. That’s impressive, but he also would have had over 700 rushing yards if not for sack yardage. He is a true dual threat, and he could be a nightmare for a team in LSU that struggled against dual-threat quarterbacks in 2024.
Again, this is 2025. That doesn’t mean we’ll assume that LSU will be better defensively, but the team is better equipped to do so from a personnel perspective. It’ll be critical for the LSU defensive line to avoid overpursuing and be disciplined in its approach to rushing the passer.
Transfer safety AJ Haulcy will miss the first half of the game due to a fight during his last game while playing for Houston. Safety play will be critical to run support for LSU, so this development is significant. Haulcy was also effective while reading the quarterback’s eyes in zone coverage to make plays on the ball. The position was a sore spot for the Tigers last season, but we expect improvement. This is an opportunity for guys like Tamarcus Cooley, Dashawn Spears, and Javien Toviano to shine.
Defensive Line Disruption
We’ve established the importance of LSU’s pass rushers preventing Klubnik from buying extra time, but that won’t be enough. The defensive line must play a complete game, starting with the run. Clemson has extremely talented weapons on the perimeter in Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco, and TJ Moore. Dabo’s Tigers would like to run just enough to safely get off some shot plays to their receivers. LSU must create obvious passing situations to unleash its pass rush. The vertical shots are inevitable.
The emergence of Dominick McKinley and the arrival of Bernard Gooden have helped to change the LSU defense at the most important position of defensive tackle. The position is as deep as it’s been in Kelly’s tenure, and it must be impactful for LSU to slow down the Clemson offense. Clemson has a twitchy, 240-pound converted receiver, Adam Randall, playing running back. It’s up to Kelly’s Tigers to force Klubnik to win the game on his own.
Preparation and Composure
There are several reasons for the LSU losing streak in openers. Blocked kicks, muffed punts, and generational Florida State teams have all played a part. Recently, the common denominator has been self-inflicted wounds.
Nussmeier had an opportunity to call a timeout in a moment of indecision against USC. He didn’t on a critical drive, wasted a play, and LSU didn’t score. The Tigers were clueless defensively against Florida State in 2023. In 2022, two muffed punts and a blocked kick contributed to a loss.
It’s normal for a first-time starting quarterback to make a mental mistake. Malik Nabers will be remembered for much more satisfying moments than fumbling punts. But we’re at a point where results are more valuable than explanations. LSU fans can swallow a loss to a good team on the road. However, another loss filled with mental mistakes and turmoil in clutch moments could make the proverbial pill much harder to swallow.
We expect LSU to have offensive success and a legitimate chance to beat a championship contender on the road. There’s no shame in losing to the ACC’s Tigers, but don’t help them along the way.
Main Photo: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
