One of my favorite things Ed Orgeron did during his time at LSU was “Tell the Truth Monday”. It was a debrief of the team’s performance, offering honest criticism. After each week, I will attempt to do the same regarding LSU’s most recent game.
LSU went on the road and knocked off previously #4 ranked Clemson. Here are my main takeaways:
1. This is the biggest road victory of the Brian Kelly era
It is no doubt that this game loomed large for Brian Kelly and the LSU program as a whole. After losing three season openers in a row, LSU faced pressure to go 1-0. Clemson presented a huge hurdle in what Kelly called “Death Valley Jr.” and the Tigers were up to the challenge on Saturday night.
After falling short at Ole Miss and Alabama in 2023, and Texas A&M in 2024, Kelly finally has his signature road win.
2. Garrett Nussmeier is a leader
The #18 jersey is one of significance inside the LSU program, and quarterback Garrett Nussmeier looks to be the perfect player to continue that tradition. While Nussmeier did not put up the biggest numbers, he was instrumental in LSU’s success on Saturday. 230 yards and a touchdown are only part of the story for Nussmeier, who kept drives alive by avoiding pressure as well as using his legs when needed.
The offense is in good shape with #18 at the helm.
3. As for the rest of the offense…
The biggest question going into this matchup was how the offensive line would hold up with four new starters against a talented Clemson front. The LSU offensive line proved themselves as they only allowed one sack on the night. They also held their own in the running game as running back Caden Durham was able to scratch out 74 yards on 14 carries.
Many new faces took on increased roles at the skill positions. Receiver Aaron Anderson picked up where he left off last season, catching 6 passes for 99 yards. Receiver Zavion Thomas got involved as both the running game and passing game, with 26 yards rushing and 19 receiving yards.
The LSU passing game was quite conservative, giving Oklahoma transfer tight end Bauer Sharp and running back Ju’Juan Johnson a large share of targets.
On the go-ahead touchdown, Trey’dez Green showed why he is such a weapon in the redzone.
We expected to see Barion Brown and Chris Hilton Jr. getting involved in LSU’s vertical passing game. Hilton was a non-factor as his only catch resulted in a turnover on downs. We did see one deep throw to Brown, and that was the source of frustration for many.
What looked like a beautiful throw and catch was overturned, which brings me to my next point.
4. SEC officials did LSU no favors, once again
Since LSU was the visiting team, SEC officials worked this game. Some would figure that LSU would get the benefit of the doubt on close calls like the one previously mentioned. That was not the case, and LSU fans will be sick of seeing head official Daniel Gautreaux this season.
5. The LSU defense is for real
Last but not least, the LSU defense was lights out on Saturday night. Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik faced constant pressure all game long. Star linebacker Harold Perkins was a factor once again as he played a prominent role in providing pressure on Klubnik.
Transfer cornerback Mansoor Delane was a huge addition in the secondary. Delane provided great coverage all night and provided a game-turning interception late in the third quarter.
LSU held Clemson to only 32 rushing yards, which is the least they have held an opponent to since they held UCLA to 14 last season. The additions on the defensive line and the Weeks brothers make for a formidable run-stopping unit.
Hats off to Blake Baker and his defense!
OUTTA HERE!
Clarknado Sports 