LSU at Clemson<\/h2>\nLouisiana Stating the Obvious<\/strong><\/h3>\nLet\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ll see at least six or seven, could be as many as eight offensive linemen playing for us,\u201d 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\u2019s a joke. This game will be decided quickly if LSU throws out so many different combinations against a defensive line of Clemson\u2019s caliber. Half of the Clemson defensive line consists of defensive tackle Peter Woods<\/a> and edge rusher TJ Parker,<\/a> projected as top-ten draft picks.<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWe think the rotation will be a little tighter. But here\u2019s the thing \u2013 LSU doesn\u2019t 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\u2019t be one-dimensional. Of course, expect a few quick passes, screens, and rollouts to keep Garrett Nussmeier<\/a> clean.<\/div>\nContaining Klubnik<\/strong><\/h3>\nClemson\u2019s Cade Klubnik<\/a> was third in the country in passing touchdowns in 2024. That\u2019s 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.<\/div>\n<\/div>\nAgain, this is 2025. That doesn’t mean we\u2019ll assume that LSU will be better defensively, but the team is better equipped to do so from a personnel perspective. It\u2019ll be critical for the LSU defensive line to avoid overpursuing and be disciplined in its approach to rushing the passer.<\/div>\n<\/div>\nTransfer safety AJ Haulcy<\/a> 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\u2019s 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<\/a>, Dashawn Spears, and Javien Toviano to shine.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/09\/USATSI_24136596_168400562_lowres-1024x683.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nDefensive Line Disruption<\/h3>\nWe\u2019ve established the importance of LSU\u2019s pass rushers preventing Klubnik from buying extra time, but that won\u2019t 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<\/a>, Bryant Wesco, and TJ Moore<\/a>. Dabo\u2019s 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.<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe emergence of Dominick McKinley<\/a> 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\u2019s 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\u2019s up to Kelly\u2019s Tigers to force Klubnik to win the game on his own.<\/div>\nPreparation and Composure<\/h3>\nThere are several reasons for the LSU losing streak in openers. Blocked kicks, muffed punts, and generational Florida State teams<\/a> have all played a part. Recently, the common denominator has been self-inflicted wounds.<\/div>\n
Let\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ll see at least six or seven, could be as many as eight offensive linemen playing for us,\u201d 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\u2019s a joke. This game will be decided quickly if LSU throws out so many different combinations against a defensive line of Clemson\u2019s caliber. Half of the Clemson defensive line consists of defensive tackle Peter Woods<\/a> and edge rusher TJ Parker,<\/a> projected as top-ten draft picks.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
We think the rotation will be a little tighter. But here\u2019s the thing \u2013 LSU doesn\u2019t 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\u2019t be one-dimensional. Of course, expect a few quick passes, screens, and rollouts to keep Garrett Nussmeier<\/a> clean.<\/div>\nContaining Klubnik<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Containing Klubnik<\/strong><\/h3>\nClemson\u2019s Cade Klubnik<\/a> was third in the country in passing touchdowns in 2024. That\u2019s 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.<\/div>\n<\/div>\nAgain, this is 2025. That doesn’t mean we\u2019ll assume that LSU will be better defensively, but the team is better equipped to do so from a personnel perspective. It\u2019ll be critical for the LSU defensive line to avoid overpursuing and be disciplined in its approach to rushing the passer.<\/div>\n<\/div>\nTransfer safety AJ Haulcy<\/a> 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\u2019s 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<\/a>, Dashawn Spears, and Javien Toviano to shine.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nPhoto Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nDefensive Line Disruption<\/h3>\nWe\u2019ve established the importance of LSU\u2019s pass rushers preventing Klubnik from buying extra time, but that won\u2019t 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<\/a>, Bryant Wesco, and TJ Moore<\/a>. Dabo\u2019s 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.<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe emergence of Dominick McKinley<\/a> 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\u2019s 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\u2019s up to Kelly\u2019s Tigers to force Klubnik to win the game on his own.<\/div>\nPreparation and Composure<\/h3>\nThere are several reasons for the LSU losing streak in openers. Blocked kicks, muffed punts, and generational Florida State teams<\/a> have all played a part. Recently, the common denominator has been self-inflicted wounds.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Again, this is 2025. That doesn’t mean we\u2019ll assume that LSU will be better defensively, but the team is better equipped to do so from a personnel perspective. It\u2019ll be critical for the LSU defensive line to avoid overpursuing and be disciplined in its approach to rushing the passer.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Transfer safety AJ Haulcy<\/a> 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\u2019s 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<\/a>, Dashawn Spears, and Javien Toviano to shine.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\nPhoto Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nDefensive Line Disruption<\/h3>\n
Defensive Line Disruption<\/h3>\nWe\u2019ve established the importance of LSU\u2019s pass rushers preventing Klubnik from buying extra time, but that won\u2019t 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<\/a>, Bryant Wesco, and TJ Moore<\/a>. Dabo\u2019s 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.<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe emergence of Dominick McKinley<\/a> 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\u2019s 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\u2019s up to Kelly\u2019s Tigers to force Klubnik to win the game on his own.<\/div>\nPreparation and Composure<\/h3>\nThere are several reasons for the LSU losing streak in openers. Blocked kicks, muffed punts, and generational Florida State teams<\/a> have all played a part. Recently, the common denominator has been self-inflicted wounds.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
The emergence of Dominick McKinley<\/a> 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\u2019s 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\u2019s up to Kelly\u2019s Tigers to force Klubnik to win the game on his own.<\/div>\nPreparation and Composure<\/h3>\n