Tommy Bowden Breaks Down Clemson’s Loss to LSU: Risk, Momentum, and the Road Ahead
Former Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden returned to the airwaves Friday afternoon to deliver an insightful breakdown of the Tigers’ season-opening 17–10 loss to LSU. With Clemson dropping to 0–1 but remaining at No. 8 in the national polls, Bowden’s perspective struck a balance between critique and reassurance, providing fans with a deeper understanding of what went wrong and what lies ahead.
Coaching DNA: Kelly vs. Swinney
Bowden wasted no time addressing the perception that LSU head coach Brian Kelly was more aggressive than Dabo Swinney. LSU’s reverse pass early in the game was a defining moment. Asked if he felt like the Bayou Bengals felt compelled to run some plays to keep Clemson off balance, Bowden noted that, “Some coaches just have that in their DNA,” Bowden said. “One lesson I learned from my father was: you better run it early because you won’t have the courage late in the game.”
According to Bowden, that play, coming in the first half, was likely scripted from the start. By contrast, Swinney and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley leaned on Cade Klubnik to stretch the field vertically, but the senior quarterback didn’t capitalize.
“Dabo said Cade didn’t play well. He had a 50-yard shot, a slant that could’ve been a touchdown, but didn’t take them. If Cade had taken those downfield throws, it might have looked similar to LSU. Instead, LSU looked like they were being riskier, when really Cade just didn’t pull the trigger.”
The Final Play: Perkins’ Speed and LSU’s Script
The game’s defining moment came late, when Klubnik attempted to escape pressure to his right but was chased down by LSU linebacker Harold Perkins. Bowden agreed with the breakdown: “Normally that end has contain, but when he slanted inside, Cade felt space outside. LSU planned for that—when Cade escapes, Perkins has the speed to chase him down. I believe it was scripted.”
That detail underscored LSU’s preparation and execution. Perkins, one of the SEC’s most explosive defenders, showcased the difference between a good play design and elite defensive speed.
Momentum Shifts and the Run Game
Bowden’s coaching eye quickly identified where the tide turned. “There are momentum shifts that change the whole game. I felt it watching LSU. They were running the ball consistently; Clemson wasn’t. You could feel momentum shift to LSU and never come back.”
The stats paint the same picture. Clemson finished with just 31 rushing yards on 19 carries (1.6 per attempt). Ten of those yards came from Klubnik, meaning the Tigers’ backs combined for only 21 yards. By contrast, LSU’s ability to run the ball kept Clemson’s defense honest, giving Garrett Nussmeier breathing room in the passing game.
Quarterback Comparisons: Nussmeier Shines
NFL scouts were in attendance to see Klubnik and Nussmeier, but Bowden suggested most left more impressed by the LSU quarterback. “Both defenses were outstanding. The pockets were collapsing more than the QBs had seen in practice, so throws had to be accurate. Nussmeier just had more success. Some of it was play calling—maybe LSU gave him better-designed opportunities. Plus, LSU’s running game really helped open up the passing game, and Clemson didn’t have that.”
Garrett Riley’s Dilemma: Abandoning the Run
The offensive imbalance raised eyebrows—Clemson ran the ball 20 times before attempting 18 straight passes. Bowden defended Riley’s decision: “Attempts were there, but the production wasn’t. You can’t keep running if you’re not getting anything. At that point, running feels like wasting a down. But the passing game wasn’t good enough to save them either. Credit both defenses—they were superb.”
Keeping Perspective: Playoff Hopes Alive
Despite the loss, Bowden reminded Clemson fans that the season is far from over. “Some of that comes from Dabo’s success. But this loss doesn’t hurt them. They can still win the ACC and make the playoff. A second loss would hurt because of SEC and Big Ten politics. But right now, nothing’s lost. That was two really good teams.”
Indeed, Clemson’s 2025 schedule remains favorable. The Tigers host Troy today and, before diving back into ACC play, have a critical early-season matchup in Atlanta with Georgia Tech.
Next Up: Troy as a Measuring Stick
Bowden closed by looking ahead to Clemson’s Week 2 matchup against Troy. “I’m looking forward to seeing how Clemson runs the ball. The backs are embarrassed, the staff is embarrassed. Troy has enough personnel to challenge them, so Clemson will have to be creative. If they just try to run over Troy, it might be a long day. This matchup has been close before. I’ll be interested to see how Garrett Riley approaches fixing the run game.”
Final Thoughts
Bowden’s words provided a measured, veteran perspective: LSU executed a better game plan and capitalized on momentum, but Clemson’s goals are still intact. For Klubnik and the Tigers, the task now is simple—find balance, regain confidence, and treat the Troy game as an opportunity to reset.
Audio of Tommy Bowden’s full interview is attached for fans who want to hear his complete breakdown in his own words.
