When No. 4 Clemson hosts No. 9 LSU this year, the similarities go well beyond shared nicknames and matching “Death Valleys.”
Both are Top 10 teams with nearly identical national title odds. Both are led by Heisman-contending quarterbacks.
But in my LSU vs. Clemson predictions, I break down why one of these teams isn’t quite like the other — and share a Cade Klubnik player prop to back it up.
Find that and more college football picks for this Week 1 matchup with kickoff at Memorial Stadium set for 7:30 pm ET on Saturday, August 30.
LSU vs Clemson prediction
LSU vs Clemson best bet: Cade Klubnik Over 270.5 passing yards (-114 at FanDuel)
Yes, there are a lot of similarities between the LSU Tigers and Clemson Tigers in this matchup. And that stars with their respective star quarterbacks, Garrett Nussmeier and Cade Klubnik. So, what will separate these two Tigers?
For me, it’s simple. It comes down to the fact that Klubnik is going to have more opportunities to attack his opponent down the field.
Nussmeier is working behind an offensive line that has to replace several impact players, including first-round pick Will Campbell. And that inexperienced line must deal with a Clemson defensive line that has NFL talent in Peter Woods and TJ Parker.
Meanwhile, Klubnik will have the benefit of facing a suspect LSU defense. The Bayou Bengals ranked 75th in defensive success rate last season and now must replace all four starters on the defensive line.
So, one way LSU may try to make up for that is by blitzing Klubnik. But the Clemson QB has proven more than adept at handling those situations. And his improved touch on his deep ball could burn LSU here, particularly with guys like Antonio Williams and Bryant Wesco working on the outside.
This is the main reasoning behind laying the points with the home team, but my best bet is Klubnik to go Over 260.5 passing yards. It's something he did in six of his final games last season. He gets his Heisman odds campaign off to a good start here.
LSU vs Clemson same-game parlay
One of the big parts of my handicaps in college football comes down to who is pressuring the quarterback and who isn’t.
I know Clemson is going to pressure Nussmeier with Woods and Parker going against a rebuilt offensive line. Klubnik is simply going to have more time to work in the pocket and create downfield.
That’s going to be the difference here. Throw in home field advantage, and I’m comfortable laying the points with Clemson.
And since I’m taking Klubnik to have a big night through the air, let’s add wideout Bryant Wesco to find the end zone.
Wesco is kind of overlooked in the class of super sophomore wide receivers that include Jeremiah Smith, Ryan Williams, and Cam Coleman. But Wesco isn’t far behind and went for 708 yards and five scores as a true freshman.
Bet this LSU vs. Clemson SGP Now at FanDuel!
Our deep-ball SGP: Anderson adds appeal
- Clemson won't be the only Tigers to score in this game.
- Anderson is Nussmeier's favorite target.
- He hauled in 61 catches for 884 yards and five TDs last season.
LSU vs Clemson game predictions
LSU vs Clemson moneyline prediction
It's Clemson who will win this battle of the Tigers. Clemson's ability to pressure Nussmeier while conversely protecting Klubnik will be what allows Clemson to separate themselves from LSU and win the game.
LSU vs Clemson spread prediction
And by separate themselves, I mean cover the spread too. I'm just not sure how this rebuilt LSU offensive line is going to handle the likes of Peter Woods and TJ Parker. I like Clemson to win this game by at least a touchdown.
LSU vs Clemson Over/Under prediction
I'm leaning Under in this game. Clemson's defense will limit LSU just enough to keep this Under. And while Klubnik is the engine that makes Clemson's offense go, I expect Dabo to try and establish a run game in this matchup as well.
LSU vs Clemson odds
- Spread: LSU +4 | Clemson -4
- Moneyline: LSU +150 | Clemson -180
- Over/Under: Over 56.5 | Under 56.5
LSU vs Clemson trend to know
LSU has only covered the Spread in 5 of their last 13 games for -3.80 Units and a -27% ROI. Find more college football betting trends for LSU vs Clemson.
How to watch LSU vs Clemson
| Location | Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC |
| Date | Saturday, August 30, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ABC |
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