Lane Kiffin reveals why LSU refused to shorten Clemson’s weather delay
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Lane Kiffin gave Clemson no relief during LSU’s lengthy weather delay before Sunday night’s college football season opener. The LSU coach later explained why he rejected an option to shorten the 90-minute delay.
The matchup at Tiger Stadium eventually started at 9:40 p.m. ET after severe weather pushed kickoff back. Clemson spent the delay in the visitors’ locker room while LSU waited on the other side.
Kiffin said the conditions inside Clemson’s locker room influenced his decision. “That locker room sucks over there,” Kiffin said after the game. “And when you sit in there, the longer you sit in there – No, it’s a real thing.”
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When officials offered the teams a chance to reduce the delay, Kiffin chose to keep the full window. “When they said, ‘Hey, do you want to shorten it?’ When we come back, I’m like, ‘No, leave it all there, we’ll go out at midnight.’”
The decision reflected Kiffin’s competitive approach, especially against Clemson coach Dabo Swinney.
“If you haven’t figured out my competitiveness in order to win, if I’m gonna go through all that other stuff for two players, nationally, I’m certainly gonna,” Kiffin said. “If I think 90 minutes is gonna help us win the game, we’re gonna sit in the locker room for 90 minutes.”
LSU turned the delay into a statement
The decision mattered because LSU dominated once play finally began. The Tigers overwhelmed Clemson 51-10, producing 644 total yards while holding the Tigers to only 145.
Quarterback Sam Leavitt led LSU’s offense with 230 passing yards, one passing touchdown, and 113 rushing yards, scoring twice. Running back Dilin Jones added 113 rushing yards and two touchdowns as LSU controlled the ground game.
LSU built a 31-3 halftime lead and never allowed Clemson to threaten the result.
Kiffin also reflected on his previous experiences playing in difficult environments. “It’s great to be on this side,” he said. “I’ve been over there a lot. Three in last place, two at Alabama, the overtime game in Alabama, the overtime game here a couple years ago.
“So, I’ve been over there when it’s been really intense. And I was glad to be on this side.”
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The result showed LSU’s preparation extended beyond play-calling. The Tigers handled the unusual schedule better and delivered a physical performance from the opening snap.
So, for Kiffin, the decision now looks justified. LSU did not simply survive the long wait; it used the matchup to announce itself as a serious playoff contender.
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