LSU Win at Clemson Answers Pressing Questions

The Bayou Bengals made a statement in Clemson’s Death Valley in an impressive 17-10 win. The Tigers entered the season without many questions, but the unknowns were critical to the potential of the season. Several different elements contributed to the complete body of work, so there’s a lot of credit to go around for the LSU win. The most encouraging part of it all is this team should show significant improvement as the season goes on.

LSU Wins at Clemson

Encouraging Play from the Offensive Line

LSU’s offensive line play was easily its biggest question coming into the season. A unit that struggled in Spring practice and rarely provided any positive news during Fall camp. Offensive line coach Brad Davis’ staff struggled to settle on a starting five as the opener approached, and panic set in among the fanbase. Then the game happened.

Tyree Adams was one of the few bright spots on the offensive line, and he suffered an injury in the first half. Sophomore swing lineman DJ Chester stepped in for him at left tackle and held his own before Adams was able to return. This sequence is significant because Chester struggled in 2024 before Paul Mubenga beat him out for the left guard position for the 2025 season. This is one of the several examples of the resolve this LSU team displayed against Clemson.

The Return of Defense in Baton Rouge

Over the years, defense was the backbone of the vintage LSU championship contenders. It appears to be back on track. We expected the LSU defense to be better this year, but it’s impossible to project early performance with so many new faces. The Tigers gained nine transfers on the defensive side of the ball in the 2025 class. After a dominant performance on the road, it’s safe to say the Tiger defense is markedly improved from last year.

LSU allowed only 262 total yards to a loaded Clemson offense. On average, the Tigers allowed 364 yards in 2024. The defensive success against the run allowed Blake Baker to turn the pressure up against Cade Klubnik. Defensive line play and containing Klubnik were critical keys to the game, and LSU excelled in both.

The Tigers harassed and rushed Klubnik relentlessly all night, but it wouldn’t have been possible without a superb secondary performance. Mansoor Delane and the LSU secondary looked like the defensive backs we’ve grown accustomed to seeing in Baton Rouge. PJ Woodland looks like a future star in his second year. Jardin Gilbert helped LSU to overcome whistle-blowing Dabo Swinney by filling in nicely for AJ Haulcy in the first half.

Harold Perkins played with the explosiveness of his younger self and the savvy of a veteran. Perkins diagnosed and attacked at linebacker and covered well at star. He finished with one sack, 1.5 TFL, and finished the game with pressure on Klubnik to end Clemson’s chances.

Coaching Staff Proves its Worth

Both of LSU’s coordinators were at their best on Saturday. Joe Sloan was masterful in his play selection, but the design of some plays was spectacular. We asked for creativity in the run game, and he delivered. Wide receiver motion led to Caden Durham becoming the lead back for Zavion Thomas. The wide receiver screens were timely and innovative. Receivers appeared to be screen lead blockers but were targeted instead. Sloan showed off his growth as the second-year offensive coordinator for LSU.

The most important aspect of Sloan’s performance was creating balance for the offense. LSU’s 29 rushes prevented predictability in the offense. Garrett Nussmeier was able to be more patient while knowing the team’s offensive success was not solely dependent on him creating big plays.

Blake Baker probably feels somewhat liberated with the pieces he now has to play with defensively. He prefers an attacking defense, and LSU’s aggressive nature made a future first-round draft pick look mortal. Klubnik completed only 50% of his passes with no touchdowns and one interception. LSU tipped several other passes and sacked Klubnik twice. Baker deftly moved Perkins like a chess piece, making it almost unpredictable for the offense to know his responsibilities for each play.

Moving forward

The staff and players can finally move on from the season opener discussions and look forward. The LSU win at Clemson was one of the best wins of the season and a resume builder for the playoffs. More importantly, it allows the Tigers to enter SEC play with the freedom of knowing they don’t have to be perfect. A different outcome on Saturday would have created a drastically different mentality for the Tigers moving forward. Here at Last Sports, we believe in intangibles. And Saturday’s game gave LSU a win, but also confidence that can’t be forced. It’s one thing to talk about championships, but a road win at a top ten team reinforces the fact that every game is winnable. At the same time, the Tigers have not arrived. LSU can celebrate today, understand its potential, and continue to grow every week. As the coaches and players learn more about each other, this squad could be scary by the end of the year. Main Photo: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images