LSU defeats Clemson 51-10 in Lane Kiffin's debut
Lane Kiffin's LSU opened the season with a 51-10 victory over Clemson, marking the Tigers' worst loss in the Dabo Swinney era.
Louisiana State University opened its season under new head coach Lane Kiffin with a dominant 51-10 win over Clemson at Death Valley. The Tigers built a 31-3 halftime lead and never looked back, outgaining the visiting team 507 yards to 73. Quarterback Sam Leavitt rushed for 100 yards and scored two touchdowns, while running back Dillin Jones added another score and tied Leavitt for the team’s rushing lead.
LSU’s defense forced Clemson into negative rushing yards and limited the ACC champion to just four first downs. Clemson’s quarterbacks, freshman Tait Reynolds and senior Christopher Vizzina, combined for 51 passing yards and were unable to generate a sustained offense.
After the game, Kiffin told ESPN’s Holly Rowe, “Imagine if we had pro players,” referring to LSU’s decision not to add former NFL players Xzavian Harris and Dae'Quan Wright despite a court order clearing them to play. He also praised Leavitt’s ball security, saying, “I really like how he’s taking care of the football. The defense is the story right now, playing really well.”
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney acknowledged the offensive struggles, noting the team “has really been poor on offense” and indicating that a quarterback change was likely for the second half.
The victory improves LSU’s early-season outlook, with the next games against Louisiana Tech and Ole Miss on the schedule before a November matchup with Alabama.