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After LSU's 51-10 season-opening win over Clemson, Lane Kiffin said Sam Leavitt recovered from a slow start and played as well as he had in camp. Kiffin highlighted his ability to escape the pocket and create when protection or routes broke down. He said Leavitt's aggressive running may require more sliding later; the interview did not report a quarterback injury.
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Kiffin credited Charlie Weis with the offensive game plan and play-calling, allowing Kiffin to avoid running every offensive meeting himself. LSU generated 38 first downs and few negative plays against Clemson. Kiffin cautioned that Clemson's defensive tackles were not that defense's strength and that tougher interior tests await in SEC play.
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Kiffin said LSU's versatile edge defenders, including Jordan Ross, could drop into coverage while Whit and TJ supplied interior blitzes. As the Clemson game developed, LSU kept changing the look while attacking inside and protecting against deep passes. This describes that game's pressure plan, not a promise to use the same calls against every opponent.
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Kiffin said LSU's starters had allowed only three first downs through three quarters before the backups entered; Clemson finished 1-of-13 on third down. He connected the strong defensive performance to what he had seen coming out of camp. He nevertheless criticized the backups for allowing a late scoring drive, since reserve defenders will need to make consequential stops later.
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Asked about Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris after the Clemson win, Kiffin defended pursuing their availability but declined to explain what would happen next. This interview did not establish that either player was cleared or give a return date; they should not be counted as confirmed available additions on the strength of these remarks.