The clash of the Tigers — and the authentic Death Valley — makes a strong case for the top matchup of Week 1.
True, there’s no Arch Mania or reigning national champion like that contest in Columbus. However, the stakes are incredibly high, and there will be NFL talent showcased all over the field Saturday night in Clemson as Dabo Swinney’s No. 4 Clemson Tigers face off against Brian Kelly’s No. 9 LSU Tigers.
Clemson comes off a quarterfinal appearance in last year’s College Football Playoff and possesses the necessary components on both sides of the ball to be a serious national title contender this year. The Tigers have three players — quarterback Cade Klubnik, defensive tackle Peter Woods, and defensive end T.J. Parker — forecasted to be top 10 selections in CBS Sports’ latest mock draft.
LSU did not qualify for the playoffs and heads into this matchup with a disappointing streak of five consecutive losses in season openers. This game won’t be a walk in the park either, though LSU made significant adds through the portal to enhance the talent throughout the roster. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, a possible No. 1 overall draft pick, should benefit from new offensive weapons like Nic Anderson and Barion Brown.
This is the sort of high-profile nonconference match that can either kickstart your season with tremendous momentum or leave you trailing. In a pivotal Year 4 for Kelly, a season-opening victory over Clemson cannot be overstated. Especially considering that after Clemson, LSU must also contend with No. 8 Alabama, No. 13 South Carolina, No. 15 Florida, No. 18 Oklahoma, No. 19 Texas A&M, and No. 21 Ole Miss.
Both programs are expected to be playoff contenders in 2025, but the winner’s road will be significantly clearer.
LSU vs. Clemson: Key Information
Quarterback Duel: Numerous NFL scouts and executives will be closely following this matchup to observe how two of college football’s elite quarterbacks perform. CBS Sports’ David Cobb ranked Klubnik and Nussmeier as the top two, respectively, in his quarterback evaluations for Week 1. Klubnik holds more experience, entering his third year as a starter and coming off an impressive season with 36 passing touchdowns, 3,639 yards, and only six picks. Nussmeier waited behind Jayden Daniels for his chance in 2024 and capitalized with 4,043 yards and 29 touchdowns. In a likely close matchup, the distinction between these two could determine the outcome of the game.
Revamped LSU Defense: LSU faces the challenging job of containing Klubnik, but is optimistic about the state of its defense heading into the season. Following a tumultuous 2024 season, highlighted by Jalen Milroe’s 4 TDs and 185 rushing yards in a 42-13 defeat, LSU recognized the need for serious investment in its defensive improvement. This led to the formation of the nation’s top transfer portal class, featuring projected starters Patrick Payton, Jack Pyburn, A.J. Haulcy, and Mansoor Delane. Adding five-star cornerback DJ Pickett, who has made a strong impression in Baton Rouge, defensive coordinator Blake Baker has significantly better resources compared to last year. The crucial question is whether this will suffice to neutralize Klubnik’s formidable offense, featuring players like Antonio Williams and Bryant Wesco Jr.
Can LSU Contain Clemson’s Defensive Line?: With projected first-round draft picks Woods and T.J. Parker leading the way, Clemson boasts the nation’s premier defensive line. The addition of Will Heldt (Purdue transfer) has prompted comparisons to the impressive Clemson unit in 2018, which included Christian Wilkins, Dexter Lawrence, and Clelin Farrell. LSU’s offensive line performed well last year, ranking in the top 15 nationally with only 15 sacks allowed. However, Woods and Parker, each potentially top 10 picks, pose the toughest challenge to date. It will be fascinating to observe how aggressive new defensive coordinator Tom Allen becomes in attempting to pressure Nussmeier in Death Valley.
Where to Watch LSU vs. Clemson Live
Date: Saturday, Aug. 30 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Memorial Stadium — Clemson, South Carolina
TV: ABC | Live Stream: Fubo (Try for free)
LSU vs. Clemson Prediction, Picks
This highly anticipated showdown between two likely playoff contenders is expected to be closely contested. Both teams possess many strengths, and while LSU made significant strides in the offseason, I favor Clemson due to its greater returning experience and the benefits of playing at home. This is the most gifted Clemson squad we’ve seen since those that defeated Alabama for national titles, and I am quite optimistic about Clemson’s chances to add a third national championship to Swinney’s accolades. Klubnik, along with the Clemson duo of Woods and Parker, may prove to be too much for an LSU team that will require some game experience to fully integrate its new components and reach its full potential.
SportsLine’s reliable computer model has simulated every Week 1 college football game 10,000 times. Visit SportsLine now to view all predictions, all from the model that excelled last season with a 27-16 record on top-tier money-line and over/under selections.
