No SEC team made a louder opening-week statement than LSU.
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The No. 11 Tigers demolished Clemson 51-10 in Baton Rouge, turning what was expected to be one of Week 1’s marquee games into a stunning mismatch.
Quarterback Sam Leavitt made an outstanding LSU debut, throwing a touchdown pass and rushing for two more scores. Running back Dilin Jones added two rushing touchdowns as LSU repeatedly broke through a Clemson defense expected to be one of the ACC’s better units.
LSU led 17-3 after the first quarter and 31-3 at halftime.
There was no Clemson comeback.
The Tigers added another 13 points in the third quarter, turning Death Valley into a celebration and handing Dabo Swinney the worst defeat of his 19-season tenure at Clemson.
For Lane Kiffin, it was difficult to imagine a more impressive LSU debut.
The offense demonstrated balance, Leavitt looked comfortable directing Kiffin’s system and the defense completely neutralized Clemson for most of the evening.
That defensive performance may be the most important takeaway. Kiffin’s offensive credentials have never been questioned. If LSU can pair one of his offenses with a defense capable of dominating quality opponents, the Tigers immediately become a serious SEC and national championship threat.
Clemson eventually scored a fourth-quarter touchdown, but by then LSU had already built an insurmountable advantage.
There will be much tougher SEC battles ahead, and one September victory doesn’t guarantee anything.
But unlike most SEC teams, LSU wasn’t beating an overmatched FCS or Group of Five opponent. It dismantled a nationally respected Clemson program by 41 points.
After one weekend, LSU has provided the conference with its strongest early statement:
The Tigers look like a legitimate College Football Playoff contender.
