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LSU vs Clemson Picks and Predictions — August 31, 2025
No. 4 Clemson and No. 9 LSU meet in a battle of Tigers on Saturday night in Death Valley—Clemson’s version. Both programs are loaded with elite quarterback play, trench talent, and national title aspirations, making this one of the most anticipated Week 1 matchups on the college football calendar.
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Clemson enters as a narrow 3.5-point favorite with the total set at 63.5. With playoff positioning already in play, this game could serve as a tone-setter for the entire season.
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Clemson Can Win If…
Cade Klubnik executes the offense efficiently and takes care of the ball. The fourth-year quarterback threw for 3,639 yards and 36 TDs in 2024, and he’s surrounded by a cohesive unit that has grown alongside him.
“That kid has really grown and developed,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “He has really bought in.”
Clemson has the advantage of home field and continuity across both lines. If the defense disrupts LSU early and Klubnik finds rhythm, this could tilt in the ACC champs’ favor quickly.
LSU Can Win If…
Garrett Nussmeier can match Klubnik blow for blow—and the revamped defense holds. Nussmeier passed for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024 and may have the better deep-ball accuracy in this duel.
“Each year, you’re developing depth … I think this is probably the most depth we’ve had,” LSU coach Brian Kelly said. “This is a mature group that has played a lot of football.”
LSU’s key challenge will be starting fast. Kelly’s teams have lost three straight openers, and another early hole would be hard to overcome against a Clemson team that rarely falters at home.
Key NCAAF Betting Trends
| Category | Clemson | LSU |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Record | 10–4 | 9–4 |
| Conference Finish | 1st in ACC | 4th in SEC |
| Returning QB Yards | 3,639 (Klubnik) | 4,052 (Nussmeier) |
| Season Opener W/L | W (vs BYU) | L (vs USC) |
| ATS Record (2024) | 8–6 | 6–7 |
The Lean
Pick: Clemson -3.5
Projected Final Score: Clemson 34, LSU 27
These teams are evenly matched on paper, but Clemson holds the edge in continuity, coaching stability, and location. Klubnik’s rapport with Swinney’s system should prove more reliable than LSU’s newly assembled roster, especially in a raucous home opener. Clemson covers a tight one.
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