The LSU Tigers will open their 2025 football season on Saturday night against the Clemson Tigers on the road. Here are three storylines entering the highly touted top ten matchup:
REVERSE THE CURSE
The Tigers have struggled mightily in season-opening games for more than half a decade now. It has been since the National Championship team of 2019 that LSU started 1-0. Part of that is due to the level of competition, as they have not shied away from big time opponents. However, last year’s loss to USC seemed to be a turning point for how Brian Kelly handles the first game.
This offseason, more emphasis has been put on the opener, including the team facility no longer displaying all of the season’s opponents and now just displaying the Clemson paw. The task will not be easy, as Clemson boasts a top ten preseason ranking for a reason. However, if ever there was a time to buck the trend, BK’s team sure could use it this season.
COMMITTED QUARTERBACKS
In an era of turnover, specifically at the quarterback position, both LSU and Clemson have a rarity. Not only do they have returning starters at the position, but they also have players who started with and stayed with the program. Cade Klubnik took over the full-time starting role as a sophomore and has now thrown for more than 7,000 yards and 57 touchdowns in his decorated career. He broke out last year, helping the Tigers reach the College Football Playoff.
On the other side, Garrett Nussmeier waited his turn and got his first chance to start last season. Nussmeier has totaled 5,772 yards and 40 touchdowns in his career, and this matchup features two of the most highly touted signal callers in the country.
QUESTION MARKS?
For LSU, the one big question headed into the season is up front on the offensive line. They lost the majority of their production from 2024, and camp has seen several position battles. On the other side, Clemson boasts one of the most talked-about fronts in college football.
While on one hand, we do not truly know how good either side will be this year. LSU will be breaking in multiple new starters and may even rotate eight different players across the five spots. LSU certainly has the bigger question to answer on Saturday night. If the Tigers’ o-line holds up, it could be a very successful night for them.
LSU faces Clemson Saturday, August 30th at 6:30 PM. You can listen to the game on ESPN 103.7 Lafayette 104.1 Lake Charles.
