No. 9 LSU Edges No. 4 Clemson 17-10 in Thrilling Season Opener with Nussmeier Outperforming Klubnik
LSU Tigers stunned the college football world Saturday night at Death Valley by rallying to defeat the No. 4 Clemson Tigers 17-10, marking LSU’s first season-opening victory since their undefeated and national championship-winning 2019 campaign. The win was powered by a clutch performance from quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who outdueled Clemson’s Cade Klubnik in this marquee top-10 clash.
Starting the game trailing 10-3 at halftime, LSU demonstrated resilience and a renewed spirit under coach Brian Kelly. Nussmeier delivered a composed and effective performance, finishing with 230 passing yards and a touchdown. His best work came in the second half when he threw for 134 yards, including a pivotal 8-yard touchdown strike to receiver Trey’Dez Green in the fourth quarter that ultimately proved to be the game-winner.
LSU’s running game also contributed significantly, with Caden Durham rushing for 74 yards and scoring a touchdown. The Tigers’ offensive line and ball control tactics were evident as LSU dominated possession for all but nine minutes of the second half, limiting Clemson’s offensive opportunities.
Defensively, LSU showed marked improvement, a key factor in securing the upset. The Tigers’ revamped defense, bolstered by new, high-profile transfers, allowed head coach Brian Kelly to implement more aggressive man-to-man coverage. This stifled Clemson’s offense effectively, holding their star quarterback Cade Klubnik to 19 completions on 38 attempts for 230 yards and an interception. Despite Klubnik being a preseason Associated Press All-America quarterback, LSU’s defense restricted Clemson to just 10 points.
The contest was a hard-fought battle highlighted by both teams’ defensive efforts. Clemson managed to lead at halftime but was unable to muster a scoring drive after the break. LSU’s disciplined defense kept them in check, and the offense capitalized on crucial plays down the stretch.
Garrett Nussmeier, who surpassed 4,000 passing yards during his inaugural starting season in 2024 after sitting behind Jayden Daniels, showcased his growth and maturity as a signal-caller. His leadership and clutch execution under pressure drew significant applause and suggestions that LSU could be a dark horse in the college football landscape this season.
With the triumph, LSU begins the season at 1-0 while Clemson falls to 0-1, marking a challenging start for the Tigers who had high expectations entering the season. The victory reinforces LSU’s position in the top 10 and sets an optimistic tone as they pursue their ambitions under Brian Kelly’s leadership.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as both teams adjust for the upcoming weeks. LSU’s blend of aggressive defense, an improving passing attack, and control of the clock could be the blueprint for their success moving forward.