LSU defeated Clemson 17-10 on Saturday night, earning a much-needed win for both its own program and the SEC.
The result snaps a 5-year streak of LSU losing its season-openers. This is the first time the Tigers have won their first matchup of the season since 2019 when Joe Burrow led the program to an undefeated season and a national title.
It also represents a massive nonconference victory for the SEC. Alabama and Texas both suffered disappointing nonconference losses on Saturday, but this win from LSU will go a long way toward helping the SEC repair its reputation.
LSU was dominant in the second half as it shutout Clemson after the break. Dabo Swinney’s bunch took a 10-3 lead into halftime, but didn’t manage to gain more than 45 yards on any drives in the second half.
Heisman Showdown: Garrett Nussmeier vs Cade Klubnik
A statistical breakdown of how LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier compared with Clemson QB Cade Klubnik in a showdown of leading Heisman Trophy contenders:
LSU 17, Clemson 10
Here’s the LSU-Clemson box score (use the dropdown menu to select team or player stats), followed by the complete play-by-play:
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
