Our offense vs. their defense: Clemson Tigers

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A new era of LSU football begins on Saturday when Death Valley- Baton Rouge, LA hosts the visiting Clemson Tigers, marking head coach Lane Kiffin’s debut in the purple and gold under the primetime lights. Fortunately for LSU, with new coaching comes new schemes, game planning, and philosophies in hopes of turning around a lackluster offense from 2025. Let’s check out this week’s offensive preview ahead of the sold-out matchup with Clemson.

Last season, LSU was just inefficient with the football on offense. The Tigers managed to average just 22.8 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the SEC and the entire country. Although the passing game was lightyears better than the run, the Tigers still struggled to consistently pick up first downs and keep possessions alive. LSU ranked just 63rd overall with 229.5 yards per game through the air and an abysmal 126th with 104 YPG on the ground.

Garrett Nussmeier is gone and, in the NFL, now, but Kiffin and Co. hit the ground running since his hire and have completely revamped the Tigers’ offense. Arizona State transfer QB Sam Leavitt left the Sun Devils, rehabbed injuries throughout the offseason and is now primed to lead a slew of talented weapons to success in 2026. LSU will feature TE Trey’Dez Green, a Walter Camp Award watchlist player, as the 6’7” target enters his third season.

Meanwhile, Clemson’s defense was near the top of the nation in 2025 as far as points allowed goes. The Tigers allowed just 20.5 points per contest last season while holding opponents to under 25 points in nine of 13 games played.

After having five defenders drafted in April, Clemson was left with big gaps to fill especially along the defensive line as DT Peter Woods and DE T.J. Parker both were selected within the first 35 picks. They addressed the need by bringing in Penn State’s Jaheim Lawson and London Merritt.

LSU defeated Clemson 17-10 in last year’s season opener in South Carolina so Dabo and the Tigers should be on the hunt for a revenge game, but having to play in the national spotlight, in Baton Rouge, and against a Lane Kiffin led team rather than Brian Kelly, could spell disaster for the visitors.

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