Clemson vs LSU NCAAF Week 1 Preview and Prediction August 30, 2025
Posted 10 months ago | Betting Previews and Predictions, NCAAF | 0 comments
Clemson vs LSU August 30, 2025 @ Clemson, SC
Opening Betting Odds
Spread: CLEM -4.5 / LSU +4.5
Moneyline: CLEM -180 / LSU +165
Total: 56.5
Preview
The Clemson Tigers host LSU in Week 1, and both these teams are expected to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoffs. Clemson lost 34-3 to Georgia in Week 1 last year, while LSU was upset by USC in a 27-20 loss in Las Vegas in their 2024 season opener.Clemson will be the favorite at home, and the line has been bet up a few points from the opening at -2.5. History might favor the home team, as Dabo Swinney is 17-10 versus the SEC, and Brian Kelly is 6-20 against Top 10 ranked teams in his career
LSU
- 9-4 Overall in 2024
- 5-3 in the SEC in 2024
- 5-8 ATS in 2024
The Tigers bring back starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier who is one of the favorites to win the Heisman. They will have a lot of new faces on the roster, bringing in the top ranked portal class in 2025. The offensive line was a weakness last year, as was the secondary..The incoming transfers are expected to plug those holes, but it might take time for all the pieces to fit in place.
Defensive coordinator Blake Baker is in his second season at LSU, and he gets back leading tackler Whit Weeks, along with transfers Patrick Payton from Florida State and Jack Pyburn from Florida. The secondary has new faces as well with Mansoor Delane transferring from Virginia and a 5 star freshman in DJ Pickett.
CLEMSON
- 10-4 Overall in 2024:
- 7-1 in the ACC in 2024
- 6-8 ATS in 2024
Dabo Swinney knows a thing or two about winning, with a pair of National Championships in 2016 and 2018. His reluctance to build a team through the transfer portal is well documented: “We’re just sitting back and watching, watching it all around us,” Swinney told ESPN. “It’s a crazy time, although I’m not sure a lot of people in our sport should be surprised. I’m just glad we’re not a part of it.” said Swinney.
This will be Klubnik’s third season with offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, and after throwing for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns and six interceptions last season he is expected to be one of the top quarterback prospects in next year’s NFL draft.
Relevant Trends
- The Clemson Tigers are 2-5 SU in their last 7 vs the SEC.
- The LSU Tigers are 2-6 SU in their last 8 vs Top 25 teams.
- The LSU Tigers are 7-3 SU in their last 10 overall.
- The Under is 7-3 in the LSU Tigers last 10 overall.
- The Clemson Tigers are 7-3 SU in their last 10 overall.
PREDICTION: CLEM 38 – LSU 23
There is so much at stake for both teams here, as Brian Kelly is on the hot seat after underachieving at LSU so far. Kelly hasn’t won a season opener with the Tigers, and there is increased emphasis on this game because of that. Dabo Swinney on the other hand has faced plenty of criticism for his old school approach, and a chance to take down an SEC team with the top portal class with his squad of home grown talent offers an opportunity for vindication. The home team should have a significant advantage here in Week 1.
