Josh Pate labels SEC powerhouse as potential national title contender after Week 1

Brian Kelly emphasized the importance of the second-half surge.

“I thought we dominated them in the second half,” Kelly said. LSU outgained Clemson 354-261 in total yards and finished with a 25-13 advantage in first downs. The win marked Kelly’s first season-opening victory at LSU and his first against a top-five opponent.

Tigers' Poll Movement And Rising Expectations

The Tigers’ climb in the national rankings reflected the broader shift in perception. LSU jumped from No. 9 to No. 3 in the AP Poll and No. 4 in the Coaches Poll. They also ranked No. 2 in CBS Sports’ comprehensive 136 poll, behind only Ohio State.

Eight SEC schools now sit in the top 25, with LSU positioned as the conference’s lead contender alongside Georgia. Clemson fell to No. 9, underscoring how meaningful the Tigers’ victory was in the eyes of voters.

Kelly credited Nussmeier’s leadership for helping establish that standard. “That helps your offensive line, happens only when you have a veteran quarterback,” Kelly said. The challenge ahead is maintaining the same intensity against Louisiana Tech, a game where LSU opened as a five-touchdown favorite.

LSU’s win did more than secure a confidence boost. It signaled that Kelly’s team may be ahead of schedule in its climb back to national title contention. With a proven quarterback, a strong offensive line showing and a defense capable of holding up against top competition, the Tigers have already altered the SEC picture.

Saturday night in Baton Rouge against Louisiana Tech will not offer the same spotlight. But LSU’s ability to maintain sharp execution will determine whether Pate’s recalibrated forecast proves prophetic as the season builds toward conference play.

LSU and Louisiana Tech kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday in Tiger Stadium.

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