LSU Dominates Clemson In Season Opener, 51-10

No. 11 LSU opened the Lane Kiffin era in dominant fashion Saturday night, cruising past Clemson 51-10 in Tiger Stadium.

After a lengthy weather delay pushed kickoff back nearly two hours, the Tigers wasted little time taking control.

LSU jumped out to a 17-3 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, taking a 31-3 advantage into halftime before continuing to pour it on in the second half.

Quarterback Sam Leavitt made an impressive LSU debut, completing 16-of-28 passes for 230 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He was even more dangerous on the ground, rushing for 113 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries.

Running back Dilin Jones also rushed for 113 yards and scored twice, while Winston Watkins Jr. led LSU’s receivers with seven catches for 110 yards and a touchdown.

LSU finished with a whopping 644 yards of total offense, including 309 rushing yards.

Blake Baker’s defense was just as impressive.

Clemson managed only 145 total yards and was held to three points until scoring a touchdown late in the fourth quarter. LSU defensive back Jordan Ross also returned a first-quarter interception for a touchdown to help the Tigers build their early lead.

The victory gives Kiffin a statement win in his first game as LSU’s head coach and moves the Tigers to 1-0 on the season.

LSU returns to Tiger Stadium next Saturday to face Louisiana Tech at 6:30 pm (SECN+).

Box Score