CLEMSON, S.C. — On a steamy night in Memorial Stadium, LSU turned “Death Valley” into their own proving ground, grinding out a 17–10 upset victory over No. 4 Clemson in front of a sold-out crowd. Behind a relentless defense and timely offensive execution, the No. 9 Tigers made an early statement in one of the most anticipated season openers of 2025.
Early Jitters and Defensive Dominance
LSU opened the game on offense, and it didn’t take long for running back Caden Durham to make noise, bursting through defenders for a 24-yard gain on the first snap. But crowd noise quickly became a factor, forcing quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to burn a timeout on the team’s first third down.
Clemson’s first possession ended with a thud, as quarterback Cade Klubnik was sacked on third down after two ineffective plays. The defense, however, gave the Tigers some early momentum. On LSU’s second drive, a short completion was fumbled by the receiver, and Clemson’s #0 recovered deep in LSU territory. That turnover led to a 36-yard field goal, giving Clemson a 3–0 lead midway through the first quarter.
A Physical First Half Battle
LSU answered early in the second quarter with a 52-yard field goal by Damien Ramos, tying the game at 3–3. But Clemson responded with its best drive of the night—a 7-play, 65-yard march capped off by a 1-yard touchdown run from Adam Randall on fourth-and-goal, pushing Clemson ahead 10–3.
LSU had a chance to respond before halftime but was stopped on downs in the red zone. At the break, Clemson held a narrow 10–3 edge, but LSU’s defense was beginning to settle in.
LSU Takes Control in the Second Half
Clemson’s opening drive of the second half stalled after a highlight-reel 19-yard grab by Patt-Henry, and a 48-yard field goal attempt missed wide. LSU quickly flipped momentum.
Nussmeier connected with Aaron Anderson for a 39-yard bomb, setting up another red zone opportunity. This time, LSU cashed in. Durham finished the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 10–10 with 7:52 left in the third quarter.
Moments later, LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane intercepted Klubnik, giving the visitors a golden chance to take the lead. Though a near-touchdown was overturned after review, LSU missed a 46-yard field goal, keeping the game level heading into the final quarter.
Game-Winner and Defensive Stand
Early in the fourth, LSU’s offense returned to the red zone following a series of controversial penalties on Clemson. On first down from the 8, Nussmeier lofted a perfect fade to tight end Trey’Dez Green, who hauled it in for the go-ahead touchdown. After the PAT, LSU led 17–10 with 12:18 remaining.
Clemson’s next drive showed promise—TE Christian Bentancur gained 20 yards on a drag route, setting up a key 4th-and-5 at the LSU 33. Klubnik’s pass over the middle to TJ Moore was swatted away by Delane, ending the threat.
With just under two minutes left, Clemson had one last chance. Klubnik completed a pair of sideline throws to move into the red zone, but facing 4th-and-4 from the 15, he rolled right under pressure and tossed an off-balance throw out of bounds. LSU took over and ran out the clock.
Stat Leaders & Postgame Reactions
Garrett Nussmeier (LSU): 21-of-28, 196 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
Cade Klubnik (Clemson): 19-of-38, 186 yards, 1 INT
Aaron Anderson (LSU): 6 catches, 99 yards
Caden Durham (LSU): 17 carries, 82 yards, 1 TD
Mansoor Delane (LSU): 1 INT, multiple key pass breakups
LSU’s defense held Clemson to just 261 total yards, including a mere 31 rushing yards.
“I thought we did an excellent job taking away Klubnik’s ability to run,” said LSU head coach Brian Kelly. “We made them predictable, and when you can do that against a good quarterback, your defense can control the game.”
On the other side, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was blunt:
“We didn’t play anywhere near what we’re capable of offensively. We’ve got to own that and get better.”
Looking Ahead
LSU snaps a three-year streak of opening-game losses under Brian Kelly, beginning the season 1–0 with a top-five win.
Clemson, considered a Playoff contender, now has early questions to answer—particularly on offense.
As far as which “Death Valley” reigned supreme this night? LSU left no doubt.
