LSU @ Clemson Picks & Props

Cade Klubnik needs to start his Heisman campaign off with a bang against LSU. He will play behind an excellent offensive line and has two top-notch wideouts to throw to in Antonio Williams and Bryant Wesco. LSU's defense ranked 75th in success rate vs the pass last season and now must replace all four starters from the d-line. So, to make up for that, they'll likely try to blitz Klubnik, who showed an improved deep ball last season and should use that to his advantage here. Klubnik looked better with each game last season and went Over this number in six of his final nine games.

Williams should get plenty of targets as Clemson tests the LSU secondary in Week 1.

Durham should be the beneficiary of LSU's commitment to the ground game against a shaky Clemson run defense.

With LSU promising to balance its offense, Nussmeier's usage should go down against Clemson.

Durham is one of the best returning running backs in the nation and should get on the scoreboard early.

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.

I expect Clemson’s 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. 

Clemson returns four starting offensive linemen, as well as two reserves with starting experience, to block for senior quarterback Cade Klubnik. The veteran uncorked a deep ball last season, throwing 16 TDs on passes traveling 20+ yards in the air, and that could expose what has been an inconsistent LSU secondary. Mostly, Clemson's offense has a high floor with that offensive line in front of Klubnik, and its defense returns four of its top-five disruptors. That is the core of a national title contender, opening the season against a program that has loudly scuffled along for three years under Brian Kelly.