LSU Tigers battle Clemson Tigers to 17-10 victory on the road in opener
LSU Tigers Edge Clemson in 17-10 Thriller to Open 2025 Season
In a hard-fought battle on August 30, 2025, at Clemson’s Memorial Stadium, the No. 9 LSU Tigers rallied from a halftime deficit to defeat the No. 4 Clemson Tigers 17-10 in their season opener. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier orchestrated the comeback, throwing for 230 yards and a crucial 8-yard touchdown pass to Trey’Dez Green in the fourth quarter to secure the lead. The Tigers’ defense stifled Clemson’s offense in the second half, limiting them to 151 yards and forcing a critical fourth-down stop late in the game. LSU controlled the clock with 35:34 of possession, leaning on running back Caden Durham’s 74 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, while wide receiver Aaron Anderson added six catches for 99 yards.
Nussmeier praised the defensive effort that set the tone for the victory. “How about our defense? Sticking up for us. Allowing 10 points to one of the better offenses in the country. I’m just so proud of those guys,” he said in his post-game interview, highlighting the unit’s ability to disrupt Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, who managed only 230 yards and an interception. Nussmeier’s leadership shone in the second half, where he threw for 134 yards, including key completions to Anderson that kept drives alive. His touchdown pass to Green with 12:18 left proved to be the difference in a game where every point mattered.
The LSU quarterback also took a moment to savor the victory in Clemson’s “Death Valley,” playfully contrasting it with LSU’s own iconic stadium. “I can’t wait to get on the plane and head back to Death Valley!” Nussmeier quipped, relishing the road win in a hostile environment. Despite early miscues, including two fumbles in the first half, Nussmeier and the Tigers cleaned up their play after halftime, converting 4-of-11 third downs and avoiding further turnovers.
His poise under pressure and the defense’s second-half dominance ensured LSU started the 2025 season with a statement victory over a top-10 opponent.
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