LSU and Clemson Combine for 1-7 Record in Week 1 Since 2021

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Lockett | Last updated Aug 26, 2025 12:00 PM ET

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney offered a candid look at the Tigers’ recent struggles in SEC matchups, pointing to a combination of elite opponents and critical mistakes as the reason behind the losses.

“I think Texas was pretty good. Georgia was pretty good … South Carolina finished up a ranked team last year. Just not finishing in some opportunities. But if you break it down, there were some critical mistakes and critical errors in those games,” Swinney said during his weekly press conference.

LSU Week 1 Woes Highlight SEC Challenge

The numbers paint a stark picture. Since 2021, Clemson and LSU are a combined 1-7 in Week 1 matchups and have been outscored 216-148. For a program accustomed to season-opening dominance, those results stand out. Swinney stressed that while talent matters, execution in key moments often proves decisive.

“It’s easy to look at the scoreboard and think about wins and losses, but football is a game of details,” Swinney said. “Some of the plays we didn’t execute correctly, some opportunities slipped through our hands, and those mistakes cost us in critical moments.”

Clemson’s struggles against SEC opponents are not just numbers—they highlight the growing competitiveness of early-season matchups. While Clemson has been a consistent power in the ACC, Swinney acknowledges that facing SEC teams in the first week is a different challenge entirely.

With the Clemson Tigers preparing for another season opener, Swinney said the focus is on limiting mistakes and executing when it matters most. “We’ve got to finish opportunities, take care of the football, and make plays when the moment comes,” he said. “That’s the difference between winning and losing against these top programs.”

Clemson fans, long accustomed to early-season victories, will be watching closely as the Tigers aim to turn those narrow defeats into a new winning streak in Week 1.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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