The Preview and Predictions: LSU Football vs. Clemson Tigers in Game 1 of the Lane Kiffin Era
- The preview expects LSU's run game to heat up in the second quarter and wear down Clemson's interior defensive line, with the backs projected above 170 combined rushing yards.
- Clemson is flagged for offensive newness because Christopher Vizzina is making a true road start and Chad Morris is installing a new offense against LSU's defense.
- The Clemson side is still credited with slept-on roster quality, talented weapons, and a strong front four despite the article projecting LSU to win comfortably.
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The latest intel on Clemson's position battles on defense going into LSU week
- Clemson's defensive-tackle depth is a run-defense concern with Vic Burley suspended, Kourtney Kelly recovering from a March ACL tear and Hevin Brown-Shuler undergoing cancer treatment, leaving Markus Strong, Amare Adams, Champ Thompson and JUCO addition Andy Burburija as the likely core rotation.
- Clemson expects Jahiem Lawson and London Merritt to rotate opposite starting end Will Heldt, while Darien Mayo should absorb some of Heldt's snaps and C.J. Wesley could earn situational pass-rush work.
- Jeremiah Alexander has settled at MIKE linebacker and would move Sammy Brown to WILL when they share the field, while an alternate package keeps Brown at MIKE with Kobe McCloud operating in space.
- Clemson plans to play substantially more press man outside with Ashton Hampton and Elliot Washington II, but secondary communication remains a concern after contributing to coverage busts last season.
- The loss of Polo Anderson thinned Clemson's safety depth, increasing the importance of Jerome Carter III and Corey Myrick staying healthy while converted receiver Ronan Hanafin is projected near 20 snaps per game, especially against run-heavy opponents.
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