No. 11 LSU defeated Clemson 51-10 in head coach Lane Kiffin’s debut at the program, delivering a lopsided performance that showcased the offensive capabilities the coach brought to Baton Rouge. The game was delayed by nearly two hours due to weather, but the Tigers’ dominance became evident quickly once play began.
Quarterback Sam Leavitt posted 230 passing yards and one touchdown while also contributing 113 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. Running back Dilin Jones, a Wisconsin transfer, added 113 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Defensive end Jordan Ross returned an interception for a score as LSU built a commanding 31-3 halftime lead while accumulating 336 total yards to Clemson’s 54. The Tigers rushed for 213 yards in the first half alone, exceeding their entire rushing output from any single game during the previous season.
Clemson’s offensive struggles prompted coach Dabo Swiney to replace starting quarterback Christopher Vizzina with freshman Tait Reynolds late in the second quarter. Swinney acknowledged his team’s inability to contain LSU’s ground game and quarterback run plays. The loss marked Clemson’s worst defeat in roughly three decades.
LSU’s defensive unit also contributed significantly, recording four sacks and preventing Clemson from scoring until late in the fourth quarter while holding the visitors below 100 total yards for most of the game. The performance comes after LSU ranked 126th nationally in rushing offense during the previous season, indicating substantial improvement in the offensive line’s execution.
Both teams are scheduled to play their next games on Sept. 12, with LSU hosting Louisiana Tech and Clemson visiting Georgia Southern.
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