LSU defeats Clemson 51-10 in Lane Kiffin's debut
Louisiana State University opened Lane Kiffin's tenure with a 51-10 victory over unranked Clemson, highlighted by strong rushing performances and comments from the coach and quarterback.
Louisiana State University beat Clemson 51-10 on Saturday night in Baton Rouge, giving new head coach Lane Kiffin a dominant start to his tenure. LSU rushed for 213 yards in the first half and finished with nearly 300 yards on the ground, while limiting Clemson to a net loss of four yards.
"Imagine if we had pro players," Kiffin said to ESPN reporter Holly Rowe at halftime, referring to his team's performance. Quarterback Sam Leavitt, who threw two touchdown passes, added that the squad "blocked out the noise" of offseason speculation and focused on grinding in practice.
Leavitt, who transferred from Arizona State, recovered from an early interception to finish with over 100 passing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Running back Dilin Jones also surpassed 100 rushing yards. Clemson quarterback Chris Vizzina was replaced after completing 8 of 14 passes for 52 yards and throwing a pick-six; his substitute, Tait Reynolds, did not improve the offense.
The win improves LSU's standing in the SEC as it prepares for its next game against Ole Miss in Oxford. Kiffin declined to discuss ongoing debates about potential former professional players joining the roster, stating his focus is on what he believes is best for the team.