As Clemson gets set for its season opener against LSU, 105.5 The Roar’s Faxon Childress joined the show to break down the matchup, highlight other big games across the country, and even drop a bold upset pick for Week One.
When asked what game outside of Clemson–LSU he had circled, Childress pointed to the battle of young quarterbacks in Columbus.
“The easy answer is Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns versus Julian Sayin and the Ohio State Buckeyes. That’s going to be an absolute banger of a matchup.”
The SEC’s decision to move to nine conference games has sparked plenty of debate, but Faxon struck a balanced tone.
“Logically speaking, I would love for everybody to play nine. And I think that’s fair, but the conferences are also imbalanced and not equal… At the end of the day, spot the ball and the best teams are going to win the championship.”
Turning his attention to Clemson–LSU, Childress said the key is in the trenches.
“The biggest key to the game is the LSU offensive line versus the Clemson defensive line… To simplify it into one question, can Clemson consistently bump Garrett Nussmeier off his spot? If they can, it’s going to be a great day in Tigertown.”
He also noted that Cade Klubnik’s legs could be a hidden weapon.
“Cade Klubnik is one of the most underrated players in the country using his legs out of the quarterback spot. Using that in addition to Adam Randall… could be advantageous for the Tigers.”
As for which side of the ball he trusts most heading into 2025, Faxon leaned offense.
“I think Clemson’s just freaking loaded on the offensive side of the football. And then obviously, if I’m saying that I don’t like the defense as much as the offense, and the defense features three potential first-round picks, T.J. Parker and Avieon Terrell, that should tell you… where my opinion lies.”
Childress didn’t hold back when making a bold prediction for opening weekend, picking Florida State to shock Alabama in Tallahassee.
“I think Florida State’s going to win… It’s going to be loud, and Florida State fans are going to be fired up playing another blue blood program.”
And as for Clemson’s showdown under the lights in Death Valley?
“I’ll go 31–20 Clemson over LSU on Saturday.”
🎧 Listen to the full conversation with Faxon Childress in the audio attached above for more on Clemson, LSU, and a loaded Week One slate across college football.
