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LSU vs Clemson a breakdown and prediction analysis (any insight is welcomed)

Posted on 8/7/25 at 11:04 am
Posted by Tigerbait1977
Fort Worth, Texas
Member since Jun 2020
3244 posts
Posted on 8/7/25 at 11:04 am
When first breaking down teams let’s look at what we know:

What we know about Clemson
Elite QB returning, elite trio of WRs returning. Will be the most talented group we face all year on the perimeter.
Defense line with Peter Woods up front is a strength. Edge rusher TJ Parker is also an elite prospect and causes havoc.

What we might not know
Clemsons RB situation is one to monitor. They switched a WR to RB Adam Randall. Has played RB in high school before and played last year at the position. Broke some big runs vs Texas and averaged 11 yards a pop.
Clemson offensive line is suspect from what I can gather and the numbers say. Clubnik was sacked 7 more times than Nuss last season while being more mobile and playing a less grueling schedule. Is it part if Clubnik extending plays? Possibly.


What we know about LSU
Elite Returning QB, elite skill position players. WRs, RB, TE you name it. Elite LB core returning. Talent and experienced group. A very good defensive line consisting of depth and size everywhere even on the interior.

What we might not know
Can LSU run the ball and pass protect? New pieces on the offensive line, and for the most part a brand new secondary. A secondary that is talented and filled with good players. But will they gel?

Matchup advantages for LSU
LSU defensive line vs Clemson Oline. Clemson on their forums have quite a big concern that they won’t be able to run the ball and LSU will be able to tee off on Clubnik. If this occurs LSU will then have to focus on getting him to the ground with his scrambling.

WR group vs Clemson secondary
Clemson was gashed at times especially vs quality competition. SMU and Pittsburgh were able to throw for 310 and 350 yards respectively. If Nuss has time, I like LSU vs the Clemson secondary.

Prediction: (trying to be non biased)
JD Fickell from On3 brought up a good point on this. LSU needs this game more. Not just because we wanna make the playoffs but for the psyche of this program. Everyone knows LSU can’t win openers anymore. It’s a monkey to get off our back. That’s why I think LSU wins this game but not easily.

LSU starts slow and gets behind early. They stay in the game and in 3rd quarter make there run. Clemson does not have the depth LSU has, as many have mentioned of their forums.

LSU wins 30-27 in a classic with the defense picking off Clubnik to seal it.
This post was edited on 8/7/25 at 12:55 pm
Posted by Tigerbait1977
Fort Worth, Texas
Member since Jun 2020
3244 posts
Posted on 8/7/25 at 11:08 am to
Looking at everything these teams are very equal.

What concerns me in this game are the offensive line and secondary. If both play well it’s game over for Clemson. But if both play bad it’s too much for LSU to over come while being on the road. I think the secondary does its job and that’s why I think ultimately LSU wins late.
This post was edited on 8/7/25 at 11:13 am
Posted by how333
Member since Dec 2020
3991 posts
Posted on 8/7/25 at 11:12 am to
Nice work..
Posted by ramchallenge
Member since Nov 2009
3541 posts
Posted on 8/7/25 at 11:14 am to
What happens up front will probably determine the outcome of the game... which offensive line performs best against the defense will be the biggest factor...
Posted by LSUbacchus81
Hendersonville, TN
Member since Aug 2007
5492 posts
Posted on 8/7/25 at 11:22 am to
I’ve seen this O-line. We are going to be in for some hard times.
Posted by Reeaholic
Moss Bluff
Member since Jun 2019
1281 posts
Posted on 8/7/25 at 11:41 am to
quote:

I’ve seen this O-line.


You were at the practices?
Posted by Draco Malfoy
Member since Mar 2024
2858 posts
Posted on 8/7/25 at 11:49 am to
quote:

I’ve seen this O-line. We are going to be in for some hard times


Liar
This post was edited on 8/7/25 at 11:50 am
Posted by JimTiger72
Member since Jun 2023
16260 posts
Posted on 8/7/25 at 11:53 am to
quote:

elite trio of WRs returning. Will be the most talented group we face all year on the perimeter.


Are we sure this is true?
Posted by T1gerNate
Member since Feb 2020
2291 posts
Posted on 8/7/25 at 12:03 pm to
Appreciate the analysis brother
Posted by T1gerNate
Member since Feb 2020
2291 posts
Posted on 8/7/25 at 12:04 pm to
quote:

Are we sure this is true?


Go back and watch the Texas game they’re pretty f’n good.
Posted by JimTiger72
Member since Jun 2023
16260 posts
Posted on 8/7/25 at 12:08 pm to
#0 Antonio Williams
#1 TJ Moore
#12 Bryant Wesco Jr.

Williams is the star
Posted by pitchandcatch27
Huntsville,AL
Member since Jul 2018
4098 posts
Posted on 8/7/25 at 12:18 pm to
I like our defense vs. theirs. Because of Weeks and Perkins. They will give Klubnik fits. Biggest issue is OL. But, Nuss can do roll outs and or move the pocket. We have to be able to run the ball. Clemson makes us one dimensional we will get beat. If we run for over 100 we win. Clemson played a weak schedule last year. I doubt they survive in the SEC west without 4 losses. Clemson is at home, I like our defense to get enough stops for field goals and a turnover to make the difference. LSU defense is better, with even more depth. Our special teams are experienced. LSU wins.

LSU 34
Kitties 30

This post was edited on 8/7/25 at 12:20 pm
Posted by T1gerNate
Member since Feb 2020
2291 posts
Posted on 8/7/25 at 12:20 pm to
Moore and Wesco are really good too. Every single one of those guys are going to play in the league probably. I’m not trying to crown them or anything I’m just saying I think it’s a fair statement that this is the best qb/wr corps combo on the schedule. I don’t know who’s going to be better. Haven’t really studied who Florida’s WRs are but they’re not those guys I don’t think.
Posted by KiaSportage22
NOLA
Member since Dec 2024
113 posts
Posted on 8/7/25 at 12:26 pm to
Let’s be honest, is our LB unit really elite? It’s frankly a lot of big names that haven’t done a lot. Last year they were terrible
This post was edited on 8/7/25 at 12:28 pm
Posted by DallasTiger45
Member since May 2012
8729 posts
Posted on 8/7/25 at 12:36 pm to
quote:

elite trio of WRs returning. Will be the most talented group we face all year on the perimeter.


Are we sure this is true?


Maybe Bammer is better with Williams & Bernard, but Clemson can certainly make the argument

Regardless, they are a top 5-10 group in the country and will be a handful to stop
Posted by GeauxGutsy
Member since Jul 2017
5862 posts
Posted on 8/7/25 at 12:48 pm to
quote:

Everyone knows LSU can’t win openers



This trend will unfortunately continue
Posted by monkeymonk174
Member since Jan 2025
354 posts
Posted on 8/7/25 at 12:59 pm to
If you ever write a novel I would buy it
Posted by OutOfNames
Member since Dec 2019
1032 posts
Posted on 8/7/25 at 3:19 pm to
Cool, here's mine.

The game is at Clemson. Our offensive line lost four starters from one of the worst lines I've ever seen at a power 5 school. (68 yards on the ground vs a Nicholls team LSU actively tried to run against.) Our only WR who's back just had a knee operation. We could have had Bo Jackson in the backfield last year, and still wouldn't gain yards in a game. I look for Nuss to do everything again, due to the offensive line, he's been practicing taking off for a reason, and it doesn't take a genius to realize why.

Defense, I like what they've done. I think the dline should be okay, not great like people think. LBs should be very good, CBs as well, though later in the year. And then you have safeties.... or do you? I certainly haven't seen anything to make me believe they will improve at safety over last year.

If the game was at LSU, I might feel differently, but to think LSU is going to snap the streak of losing openers this year is a terrible take. Every year, LSU "is super geared up and ready to go", and they just aren't. Just like this year. Except they play away in an extremely difficult environment against a stronger team than in years past.

I predict that LSU's early season preparation will be the exact same, and they will lose, 38-23.
Posted by Tha crook
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2018
1135 posts
Posted on 8/7/25 at 3:28 pm to
Pretty solid break down . Regardless this will be the best team either faces in the regular season . Either could lose and still make the playoffs
Posted by brettamedee
Locust Grove, Georgia
Member since Jul 2013
416 posts
Posted on 8/7/25 at 3:42 pm to
Most predictions favor Clemson to win their Week 1 matchup against LSU, with some suggesting a close game. Dimers.com models give Clemson a 56% win probability, while others highlight Clemson's strong home-field advantage and experience as potential deciding factors. However, LSU is also considered a strong contender and a potential playoff team, especially if they can overcome their recent struggles in season openers.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Clemson's Advantages:

Home-field advantage:

Playing at Death Valley is a significant factor, with many analysts emphasizing the tough environment for visiting teams.

Strong defense:

Clemson's defense is expected to be a major strength, particularly their defensive line.

Experienced quarterback:

Cade Klubnik is entering his second year in Garrett Riley's offense, and analysts predict he will be improved.

Recent history:

LSU has struggled in season openers, not winning since 2019, which was their national championship season.

High expectations:

There's a lot of hype surrounding Clemson this year, with some even predicting a return to national title contention.

LSU's Potential:

High-powered offense:

LSU has a lot of talent on offense, especially at wide receiver, and quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is expected to make strides.

Portal additions:

LSU has had success with transfers, and those players could make a big impact.

Playoff contender:

Despite the early-season challenges, LSU is still considered a strong contender for the College Football Playoff.

Coach Kelly's potential:


Brian Kelly's ability to rally his team and overcome early-season struggles is also a factor.

Key Factors to Watch:

Nussmeier's performance:

How well Nussmeier handles the pressure and makes accurate throws will be crucial for LSU.

Clemson's offensive line:

LSU's defensive line will test Clemson's offensive line, which is a potential area of weakness.

Turnovers:

Both teams are expected to have high-powered offenses, so turnovers could be a deciding factor.

Early-season jitters:

The intensity of the game could lead to some mistakes, especially for LSU.

In conclusion: While Clemson is favored, especially with their home-field advantage, LSU has the potential to pull off an upset. The game is expected to be a close one, and the performance of key players, particularly Nussmeier, will likely determine the outcome.
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