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

I went to both Clemson and LSU and follow each program closely. I can go deeper when I have more time, but I’ll just say I disagree with OP’s take on Clemson’s OL.

Most Clemson fans and insiders believe this will be the best OL of the Dabo era. They return 4 of 5 starters from last year and have 7 players who started multiple games in 2023. A rash of late-season injuries forced two or more starters out in several games, which skews last year’s numbers.

This is a veteran group:

• RT Blake Miller – senior, has started every game since his true freshman year.

• RG Walker Parks – almost as much starting experience as Miller.

• C Ryan Linthicum – redshirt senior, former No. 1 center in the Rivals rankings, started last season after developing.

• LT Tristan Leigh – started every game in 2023, former 5-star who picked Clemson over LSU.

The backups have experience as well, and this is Matt Luke’s second year coaching the unit — his track record at Ole Miss and Georgia speaks for itself. Recruiting along the OL is the best it’s ever been here, and most preseason mags have Clemson’s OL in the top 10 nationally.

I don’t expect this group to be a weakness. If LSUs defensive line wins the day v Clemson’s OL, then I think that will speak more to how good LSUs DL will be this season as opposed to Clemson’s OL being a weakness.

The run game, though, is a separate question. There’s no proven backfield right now. Adam Randall was a WR in high school who only took the occasional direct snap in wildcat — he’s not a converted HS RB. Behind him, there’s a walk-on (Keith Adams, Jr) and a true freshman (G. Davidson) who, by all insider accounts, will not be ready for Week 1 due to concerns re: pass blocking. The hope is to bring him along throughout the season - just as they did with ETN his freshman season - and that he will be the main guy by seasons end. But to start the season, from what I’m reading, the coaches aren’t going to play him much until pass pro improves.

One WR note: besides the “big 3,” Clemson also gets back Tyler Brown, a Freshman All-American two years ago and their leading receiver when Antonio Williams missed that season. Brown was hurt last year but returns this year. He willl be potentially a dynamic slot option, dangerous on jet sweeps/end-arounds (may end up helping running game that way) , and an impact kick/punt returner.

Yep. Clemson dline>>>>>> LSU Oline. Clemson wins.

I just want to see us dominate up front. If we can dominate in the trenches I like our chances. Because heres the thing, our offense is going to put up points and make plays. But our line hasn't been dominant in sometime. I just want to see us overwhelm their offensive line and make it difficult on their offense. If we can just do that I like our chances against anyone in the country. Regardless of what it looks like offensively. We have a veteran group offensively so I am not worried there.

quote:

---

Clemson front 7 is loaded. I think they are going to eat our brand new OL alive

---

Funny that almost identical front 7 didn’t eat ACC olines up last year. The narrative that Clemsons Dline loaded is based purely on NFL projections of 2 guys and zero about their actual production.


Edited to add

Emory Jones was a projected first round pick. He sucked in the run game and dropped to 3rd round.

Turnovers will dictate the outcome.

I think our D will shut down Clemson's 1 dimensional offense.. I think Nuss
will provide enough offense to easily beat Clemson. I think we score in the 30s and Clemson in the teens. BK needs this one badly and he will pull out all the stops - same with Baker. With no running game Perkins and Weeks will be all over Klub. He's not very accurate when he tries to be Manziel.

quote:

---

Yep. Clemson dline>>>>>> LSU Oline. Clemson wins.

---

You do realize the same is true the other way, right? Clemson gave up 7 more sacks than we did vs a dogshit ACC schedule last year and is also replacing guys. And not with guys at the same talent level we’ve put across our OL this season.