Keys to Victory: No. 4 Clemson vs. No. 9 LSU

The Match-Up:

No. 4 Clemson (0-0, 0-0 ACC) vs. No. 9 LSU (0-0, 0-0 SEC)

Clemson opens its 2025 season at Memorial Stadium for the first time since 2019, welcoming LSU in a primetime clash on ABC’s Saturday Night Football. Kickoff between the two Tigers is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

This is a meeting between two of the winningest programs in college football history—LSU ranks 12th all-time with 815 wins, while Clemson sits 13th with 808. It will also be Memorial Stadium’s seventh matchup of AP Top 10 teams since its opening in 1942, with Clemson holding a 4-2 record in those games, including wins in each of the last three such contests.

Series History:

This is the 29th matchup against an AP Top 10 opponent in Clemson history. The Tigers are 15-13 all-time in those games and 12-15 against Top 10 teams overall under Dabo Swinney .

Clemson has won 12 of its last 19 games against Top 10 foes, though six of those seven losses have come in the College Football Playoff.

LSU leads the all-time series 3-1

Roster:

Rosters will be released officially two hours before kickoff. Key Clemson players to watch include:

• QB Cade Klubnik (Sr.) – Entering with 7,278 career passing yards and 36 TDs in 2024, plus 463 yards and 7 TDs rushing.
• RB Adam Randall (Sr.) – Converted wideout who is taking over as the starting running back this season.
• WR Antonio Williams (Jr.) – 904 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024.
• DE T.J. Parker (Jr.) – Led Clemson with 11 sacks and 19.5 TFLs.
• LB Wade Woodaz (Sr.) – Team-high 89 tackles last year.

Stat of the Week:

Clemson enters 2025 returning eight primary starters on both sides of the ball—the first time in the Dabo Swinney era that many starters return on both offense and defense .

Chasing History:

Clemson is seeking its 24th consecutive season with at least 10 power conference opponents, the longest such streak nationally.

The Tigers own the nation’s second-longest active streak of consecutive seasons with nine or more wins (14 straight since 2011).

Clemson has a 21-game home opener win streak, dating back to 2004.

Memorable Moments:

Clemson has faced LSU in several high-profile postseason matchups, including the 2012 Chick-fil-A Bowl (Clemson win, 25-24) and the 2019 CFP National Championship (LSU win, 42-25).

Memorial Stadium has hosted four previous Top 10 matchups since 2000, with Clemson winning each of the last three.

Keys to the Game:

Key 1: Clemson’s Defensive Line vs. LSU’s Offensive Line
The battle up front could decide the game. Clemson piled up 35 sacks and 97 tackles for loss last season, and with T.J. Parker and Peter Woods leading the charge, LSU’s protection will be tested. If the Tigers can get pressure with the front four, that will allow Tom Allen’s defense to utilize more players in coverage, limiting Nussmeier's options downfield.

“LSU has multiple new players on their offensive line — I think that’s a big deal.” – Swanny

Key 2: Cade Klubnik’s Legs
Klubnik added nearly 500 rushing yards and seven scores in 2024. If he can extend drives with his legs and keep LSU’s defense off balance, Clemson’s offense becomes far more dangerous. This is an area where I think that Dabo Swinney’s squad has a decided advantage. 

If Klubnik can be an asset in the running game, my thoughts on who wins this game begin to swing further in Clemson’s favor.

“Even with Phil Mafah going over 1,000 yards last year, I think this running back group can be better than what we’ve seen in recent years.” – Swanny

Key 3: Winning the Turnover Battle
Clemson finished +16 in turnover margin last season, one of the best marks nationally. Against an explosive LSU team, extra possessions could tip the balance.

I said all week that I think the team that can avoid the big blunder will likely win, but a collection of small mistakes could also be the deciding factor one way or the other. 

Prediction:

Two proud programs open their seasons with a statement game in Death Valley. With returning experience and home-field advantage, Clemson looks poised to make it four straight wins at Memorial Stadium in AP Top 10 showdowns—but LSU’s firepower ensures this will be a fight deep into the fourth quarter. If this game were being played in Baton Rouge, I might flip it—but at home, I’ll take the good guys.

“I think Clemson wins it. I think the Tigers actually cover this game as well. I think 30-24 is about right for me… but I do think there’s likely a possession somewhere in the fourth quarter where you feel like you’ve got to get this stop to get out with a W. I think the fans will be electric, and I think Death Valley will have an impact on this game.” – Swanny

The Pick: Clemson 30, LSU 24

Season Record: 0-0

Swanny’s Predictions:

✅ = Correct Prediction