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Clemson (0-0) at LSU (0-0)
- When: Sep 5 2026, 7:30 PM
- Where: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA
- Where to watch: ABC
Last Meeting: LSU 17-10, August 30th, 2025
Clemson vs (11) LSU Preview & Prediction
Spread: LSU -10.0
Moneyline: LSU (-417)
Total: 49.5
Two sets of Tigers walk into Baton Rouge, and only one gets to leave feeling good about its preseason hype.
No. 11 LSU opens the Lane Kiffin era as a 10-point favorite over unranked Clemson, with the Total sitting at 49.5. These teams opened last season against each other too, with LSU winning 17-10 before both eventually finished 7-6. So yes, September rankings remain adorable.
LSU Reloads Through the Portal
Kiffin wasted no time attacking the transfer portal, landing the nation’s top-rated class. The centerpiece is former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt, who reportedly impressed throughout camp.
He inherits an offense that desperately needed CPR after finishing last in the SEC in total offense and rushing while ranking 14th in scoring.
LSU’s defense should provide stability. Blake Baker returns as coordinator after his unit finished fifth in SEC scoring defense and sixth in both pass defense and total defense.
Clemson Starts a New Era at QB
Clemson lost nine players to the NFL Draft, including Cade Klubnik. Christopher Vizzina now takes over after making just one career start.
Dabo Swinney also reunited with offensive coordinator Chad Morris after Clemson ranked only 11th in the ACC in scoring and rushing last season. Nothing says “fresh start” quite like hiring someone for the third time.
The Clemson defense remains respectable after ranking third against the run and tied for third in ACC scoring defense.
LVSB Predictions
LSU has the better quarterback situation, home-field advantage and a roster upgraded heavily through the portal. That should be enough to win the opener.
But laying 10 points against a Clemson defense that can still create problems feels a little too generous. The Bayou gets the victory, while Clemson bettors sneak out the back door smiling.
Score Prediction: LSU 27, Clemson 20
Spread Pick: Clemson Tigers +10
Total Pick: Under 49.5
- NCAA Football Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
