La. — It turns out LSU doesn’t need any more NFL talent on its roster — it’s already oozing it, and it was on full display on a steamy Saturday night in the No. 11 Tigers’ resounding 51-10 win against unranked Clemson
The entire week leading up to the biggest game of Labor Day weekend was filled with speculation about whether first-year LSU coach Lane Kiffin would go against the newly implemented rules of the SEC and add two former NFL players who had been cut from professional rosters but were granted a fifth year of eligibility by a local judge. The university, its president, coach, and athletic director were at the epicenter of controversy and a national debate on eligibility.
With scouts and personnel from 17 different NFL teams watching, along with a raucous, damp, sell-out crowd of 102,321 that waited through a two-hour weather delay, LSU put on a show with the players it already had. Arizona State transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt, who injured his foot last year, looked like he did in 2024, when he led the Sun Devils to the Big 12 title and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Wisconsin transfer running back Dilin Jones resembled the downhill runner he was before he suffered a turf toe injury against Ohio State that ended his season. Together they combined for four rushing touchdowns.
Both players were complimented by an offensive line
Both players were complimented by an offensive line that pushed Clemson around and receivers who consistently blocked for them to take off for big gains. Kiffin infused his first roster with 48 transfers — the top portal class in the country, according to ESPN.com — but they played with a well-choreographed cohesiveness that resembled the familiarity of a veteran team. Together they methodically dismantled Clemson with a rejuvenated running game, a more physical push up front on both sides, a smothering defense, and good ole’ fashioned execution of a well-called game plan. It all amounted to a 31-3 halftime lead.
“Imagine if we had pro players,” Kiffin quipped as he left his halftime interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe.
LSU left former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxadefensive end Junior Tuihalamaka, who was part of the same court case but had not signed with an NFL team. He had one tackle in the first half. Collectively, though, LSU’s defense allowed Clemson just one first down in the first half — it’s fewest in any half since Sept. 24, 2022 against New Mexico
LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker was able
LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker was able to schematically confuse first-year starting quarterback Christopher Vizzina, evidenced by a pick-six he threw with 2:07 left in the first quarter. Six-foot-5, 246-pound defensive end Jordan Ross got into his throwing lane, snagged the ball and rumbled 30 yards for the touchdown.
And while Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris couldn’t get his Tigers to sustain a drive, LSU offensive coordinator Charlie Weiss Jr. mixed it up with both tempo and play-calling. He was aggressive with short throws, but also leaned into what appears to be a dependable running game sparked by Jones and a rebuilt offensive line. It was one of the most glaring differences from a year ago, when LSU averaged just 3.6 yards per carry and 104 yards per game. According to ESPN Research, LSU outgained Clemson by 125 yards rushing between the tackles — all in the first half.
LSU took a 7-3 lead in the first quarter on an 89-yard drive during which nine of 12 plays were runs. Clemson couldn’t win the line of scrimmage or run the ball — a repeat of last year’s loss to LSU.
Leavitt made some dicey throws early, including
Leavitt made some dicey throws early, including an early interception that set up Clemson’s first field goal and a 3-0 lead, but it was a blip in an otherwise impressive performance. He ran and threw for over 100 yards, and scored both ways, too. His experience was a major difference in the quarterback matchup against Clemson’s Vizzina, who was making just his second career start.
LSU’s defense took away Clemson’s running game from the start, putting all of the pressure on Vizzina. Clemson’s offense was inept, with minus-four rushing yards in the first half, 54 total yards, and no third-down conversions on eight tries. Swinney, who enters this season facing pressure to turn around last year’s embarrassing 7-6 finish, turned to true freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds. Neither of them could get Clemson into LSU territory, let alone stay there long enough to score.
It was just after midnight on the East Coast when the third quarter had ended and enough fans had finally left Tiger Stadium that seats were visible again. Kiffin, one of the most polarizing coaches in the sport, is infamous for some of the statements he makes, but on Saturday night, his team spoke volumes for him.
Source: www.espn.com
