After a very brief “down” period, Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers are not only back to being the class of the ACC, but are also getting love as a national title contender.
Those expectations will immediately be put to the test as Brian Kelly’s LSU Tigers come to town in Week 1.
The Bayou Bengals could have one of the best offenses in the country with senior QB Garrett Nussmeier back under center. But will a shaky defense hold them back?
My early LSU vs. Clemson predictions and college football picks expect a low-scoring Clemson victory.
LSU vs Clemson predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
Early LSU vs Clemson spread pick: Clemson -3.5 (-118)
The Clemson Tigers and the LSU Tigers are neck-and-neck when it comes to odds to win the national championship. Clemson is +1300, while LSU is +1400.
But while oddsmakers think these two teams are close when it comes to winning the natty, I have much more faith in the home team in this matchup.
Just like the natty odds, the Heisman odds have Garrett Nussmeier and Cade Klubnik in a dead heat at +900. They are both experienced signal callers with excellent wide receivers to throw to. So, what’s going to be the difference between these two on Saturday?
Defense.
I expect Clemson’s version of the Tigers to be much more fierce when it comes to shutting down opponents. They arguably have the best defensive line in the country, featuring potential first-round NFL Draft picks TJ Walker and Pete Woods.
Those guys are going against an LSU offensive line that replaces four starters, including first-round pick Will Campbell. This unit has definitely taken a step back this season.
Then there is a defense that ranked 125th in success rate and 89th in yards per play a year ago, and now they’ll have to work in a completely new defensive line.
That’s what it’s going to come down to. Klubnik is going to have more time to navigate the pocket and go through his progressions. Give Clemson the added advantage of being at home, and I’m laying the points with the orange and purple Tigers.
Early LSU vs Clemson total pick: Under 57.5 (-115)
We get a moderately high total of 57.5 for this matchup of Top 10 teams, and I think I’m going to lean Under.
For Clemson, Klubnik is obviously the engine that makes the offense go. But the best teams for Dabo Swinney have always had balance on offense with solid running games, with Travis Etienne, Will Shipley, and most recently, Phil Mafa leading the way.
Freshman Gideon Davidson is hoping to be the next guy in line. Davidson is getting a lot of praise coming out of fall camp, and I expect Dabo to try and get him going early in this game.
As noted previously, everyone is expecting Nussmeier and his talented receivers to deliver a high-octane offense this season. And they may. But this matchup against Clemson is a tough one, and scoring might not come as easy in the Death Valley that isn’t their own.
LSU vs Clemson odds
- LSU vs. Clemson spread: Clemson -3.5
- LSU vs. Clemson moneyline: LSU +154, Clemson -183
- LSU vs. Clemson Over/Under: 57.5
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
