Lane Kiffin’s first game as head coach of the LSU Tigers got off to a rocky start as starting QB Sam Leavitt threw an early interception against Clemson and found his team in a hole early.
With the game starting two hours late due to a lightning delay, LSU kicked off against Clemson just before 9 p.m. Despite having some extra hours to prepare, Leavitt wasn’t prepared for Clemson defender Ashton Hampton.
On the second play of the game, Leavitt’s pass bounced off the hands of his receiver and right into the hands of Hampton, to instantly gave Clemson superb field position. Tiger Stadium grew restless early after the months and months of hype.
But while the offense may have struggled on their first drive, the LSU defense did not. They held Clemson to just two yards on a three-and-out, forcing them into a 49-yard field goal attempt, which Nolan Hauser converted.
On the ensuing drive, LSU found a little rhythm and managed to move down the field a solid 59 yards. However, they stalled in Clemson territory and were forced to settle for a 49-yard field goal attempt of their own, which Scott Starzyk drilled to make the game 3-3.
Getty Images.
LSU vs. The World
It’s hard to recall a time where there was as much disdain for LSU football as there appeared to be heading into this game. Between Lane Kiffin’s infamous departure from Ole Miss to join the team, Kiffin’s pursuit of NFL players to augment his roster and a slew of other issues, many fans who might’ve otherwise had no stakes in the game found themselves rooting for Clemson in the weeks leading up to the game.
And while Clemson may not be the juggernaut that dominated the late-2010s with Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence, they’re still a rock-solid team led by an experienced coach in Dabo Swinney that can hold their own against almost anyone.
LSU might learn that the hard way tonight.
The game is being played on ABC.
