Lane Kiffin Showers Dabo Swinney With Praise Before Week 1 Game

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LSU vs. Clemson will highlight college football’s Week 1 regular season slate.

The Tigers and the Tigers will be the talk of the college football world in Week 1. Lane Kiffin is entering his first season at LSU, while Swinney is looking to bring the Clemson Tigers back to national prominence.

Heading into the Week 1 showdown, Kiffin is showering the two-time national title-winning head coach in Swinney before kickoff.

“Yeah, I’m a big fan of Dabo. I think he’s been amazing for college football. He’s been so remarkable in an era that’s really hard to keep it going and to coach that long,” Kiffin said of Dabo Swinney.

Kiffin is looking ahead to the Week 1 showdown.

Kiffin looks ahead to Week 1 matchup

Kiffin said that the key will be getting their emotions under control.

“Not to get too caught up in the environment, got to play really good football, limit turnovers, play really disciplined, don’t get penalties,” Kiffin said. “Don’t play with too much emotion because there’s going to be a lot. The place is going to be electric. There’s been so much buildup for eight months now for this game and to see this team play.”

He’s confident, though.

“I’ll be alright,” Kiffin said. “I’m worried about our players a lot more. It’s a privilege to be the coach here, and it’s just really exciting to be part of a season that can have this much attention on it, and LSU football and in Fansville at the same time.”

Clemson and LSU are scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. E.T. The game will be airing live on ESPN.

This story was originally published by The Spun on Aug 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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