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LSU Rallies, Clemson Collapses: Nussmeier Leads No. 9 Tigers to 17-10 Win

  • Writer: Bayou State Media
    Bayou State Media
  • Aug 30
  • 2 min read

Photo By : LSU ATHLETICS

Photo By: LSU ATHLETICS

By Bayou State Media — Game 1


LSU snapped its season-opener skid with a statement road win, rallying from a 10–3 halftime deficit to beat No. 4 Clemson 17–10 at Memorial Stadium. Wearing LSU’s storied No. 18, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier engineered two second-half touchdown drives and the Tigers’ defense slammed the door late to seal it.


Score by Quarter

  • 1Q: LSU 0, Clemson 3

  • 2Q: LSU 3, Clemson 7

  • 3Q: LSU 7, Clemson 0

  • 4Q: LSU 7, Clemson 0

  • Final: LSU 17, Clemson 10.


Game Recap


First Quarter

Clemson struck first after LSU fumbled on its opening snap. The Tigers of the ACC converted with a 42-yard Nolan Hauser field goal for the early 3–0 edge. LSU’s defense held strong, with P.J. Woodland flashing on a key edge sack to stall momentum.


Second Quarter

LSU answered with Damian Ramos’ career-long 52-yard field goal to even the score at 3–3. Clemson controlled the rest of the half, leaning on a 13-play march capped by Adam Randall’s 1-yard TD run on 4th-and-1, making it 10–3 at the break. LSU’s miscues, two fumbles and a failed 4th-down screen, left them chasing.


Third Quarter

The game flipped after Clemson’s Hauser missed a 48-yarder. Nussmeier sparked LSU immediately, connecting with Aaron Anderson before Caden Durham punched in a 2-yard touchdown to tie it at 10–10. Moments later, Mansoor Delane’s interception gave LSU its first real swing in field position.


Fourth Quarter

Nussmeier delivered the dagger with an 8-yard fade to Trey’Dez Green for a 17–10 lead. Clemson’s final drive reached the LSU 15, but relentless pressure forced Cade Klubnik into an errant 4th-down throw. LSU closed out a signature road win in Death Valley.


Key Performers

LSU Tigers

  • QB Garrett Nussmeier: 28/38, 230 yds, 1 TD

  • RB Caden Durham: 17 car, 74 yds, 1 TD

  • WR Aaron Anderson: 6 rec, 99 yds

  • DB Mansoor Delane: 1 INT

  • Edge Harold Perkins Jr., CB P.J. Woodland: sacks and constant pressure


Clemson Tigers

  • QB Cade Klubnik: 19/38, 230 yds, 1 INT

  • WR Bryant Wesco Jr.: 4 rec, 66 yds

  • RB/WR Adam Randall: 1 rushing TD


Team Stats Snapshot

  • Total yards: LSU 354 – Clemson 261

  • Rushing yards: LSU 108 – Clemson 31 (1.6 ypc allowed)

  • Third down: LSU 4/11 – Clemson 3/13

  • Time of possession: LSU 36:44 – Clemson 22:54

  • Turnovers: LSU 2 – Clemson 1


Analysis

  • No. 18 lives up to the hype: Nussmeier’s poise and efficiency fueled LSU’s comeback, with 134 of his 230 passing yards after halftime.

  • Defense sets the tone: LSU erased Clemson’s run game, holding them to just 31 yards rushing, and won the trenches late.

  • Momentum swings matter: Hauser’s missed FG, Delane’s interception, and Nussmeier’s 4Q fade to Green defined the turnaround.

  • Depth shines: Anderson and Durham provided the balance LSU needed, while the defense’s edge speed (Woodland, Perkins) wrecked Clemson’s late drives.


What’s Next

  • LSU: Hosts Louisiana Tech in Baton Rouge, a chance to build on a top-five road win.

  • Clemson: Faces Troy at home, looking to fix a sputtering rushing attack.


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