LSU travels to Death Valley to face Clemson in a high-profile Week 1 matchup with early College Football Playoff and Heisman implications. Clemson is a 4.5-point home favorite with an over/under of 57.5 and a money line favoring Clemson. Clemson returns quarterback Cade Klubnik, four starting offensive linemen and top receivers Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco Jr., and T.J. Moore, and adds Tom Allen as defensive coordinator to an NFL-caliber front led by T.J. Parker. Clemson has gone 34-2 at home since 2018. LSU brings elite offensive talent and dynamic quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, creating significant upset value.
Clemson has the advantage of continuity, and that matters early in the season. Quarterback Cade Klubnik is coming off a breakout year with 43 total touchdowns, has four returning starting offensive linemen and his top three receivers ( Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco Jr., and T.J. Moore) are also back. That chemistry cannot be overstated, especially when facing an LSU defense that ranked 75th against the pass last year and struggled to limit explosive plays.
The Tigers also benefit from a coaching upgrade on defense with Tom Allen taking over as coordinator after his time at Penn State. Allen brings a more aggressive approach that fits a front loaded with NFL-caliber talent, led by defensive end T.J. Parker, who recorded the third-most sacks in the ACC last season. Against an LSU offense replacing both starting tackles, this matchup in the trenches leans in Clemson's favor.
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