The wait is almost over as No. 4 Clemson gears up to kick off their season against No. 9 LSU in Death Valley this Saturday. With kickoff set for 7:30 PM ET on ABC, fans are eager to see which team will come out victorious in one of the marquee matchups of week 1.
ESPN’s SP+ has Dabo Swinney’s Clemson Tigers projected to narrowly defeat the Bayou Bengals 30-28.
However, the pressure is mounting for Brian Kelly and his squad, who are desperate for a strong start after facing challenges in previous early-season matchups. If LSU aims to make a serious run at the College Football Playoff, they must secure a win right out of the gate.
Clemson is coming off a fierce battle last season that saw them fight tooth and nail to get into the ACC title game, returning with an impressive roster led by quarterback Cade Klubnik. On the other hand, while Kelly has guided LSU to a top 10 ranking and even a Heisman Trophy winner, he still seeks his first SEC title. When it comes to season openers, however, both teams have faced their share of struggles; despite being favored in their last three opening games, LSU fell short each time.
Historically, LSU leads the series against Clemson 3-1. Under Swinney’s leadership, they’ve clashed twice before: most notably in the 2019 CFP National Championship, where LSU triumphed 42-25 and in the nail-biting Peach Bowl on New Years eve in 2012 when Clemson edged out with a narrow victory of 25-24. Their early encounters include a tense 10-7 win for LSU in the 1996 Peach Bowl and a shutout victory of 7-0 during the 1959 Sugar Bowl, where the Bayou Bengals were eventually named the national champions by the AP.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night.
Lee Ann joins the Saturday Down South team, bringing over fifteen years of experience covering the SEC as both a sports journalist and football scout. With her keen eye for talent, she has also flexes her skills as the Director of Recruiting for the Rebel Walk( Ole Miss) Herring, is a staff writer at USA Today Sports Wildcats Wire, where she dives into the thrilling world of Kentucky football and basketball. When fall rolls around, you can catch her on air as an analyst for the Wake up 502 College Football Show on Big X Sports Radio 96.1 FM—because who doesn't love a good game day chat? A proud Brown University alum, Lee Ann balances her time between the sidelines and press box with her passion for coaching her boys' youth lacrosse and savoring a fine glass of bourbon alongside a good cigar. So, whether she's dissecting plays or rallying the next generation of athletes, Lee Ann is your spirited insider ready to tackle all things SEC!
