Garrett Nussmeier Leads No. 9 LSU Past No. 4 Clemson in Season-Opening 17-10 Thriller

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CLEMSON, S.C. — On a night when defense reigned supreme and two elite programs clashed in a gritty season opener, it was Garrett Nussmeier who rose to the moment, rallying No. 9 LSU to a 17-10 comeback win over fourth-ranked Clemson at Memorial Stadium.

The redshirt junior quarterback, entering his second year as LSU’s full-time starter, overcame a sluggish first half to lead the Tigers on two crucial second-half scoring drives. Nussmeier finished 21-of-34 for 230 yards and an 8-yard go-ahead touchdown pass to tight end Trey’Dez Green with 9:21 left in the fourth quarter.

It marked LSU’s first season-opening victory since their 2019 national championship campaign led by Joe Burrow.

Second-Half Surge

After trailing 10-3 at halftime and showing little offensive rhythm, LSU flipped the script in the second half, dominating possession and controlling the tempo. Nussmeier threw for 134 of his 230 yards in the final two quarters, while running back Caden Durham added 74 rushing yards and a touchdown to balance the offense.

The LSU defense, revamped with a strong class of transfers, suffocated Clemson’s ground game and kept preseason AP All-American quarterback Cade Klubnik uncomfortable all night. Clemson managed just 31 rushing yards on 20 carries, and Klubnik was held to 19-of-38 passing with no touchdowns and one interception.

Kelly's Confidence Rewarded

LSU head coach Brian Kelly praised his team’s physical and mental toughness after the win.

“I looked up at the scoreboard and saw Dabo was like 115-11 when leading at halftime,” Kelly said postgame. “I thought, well, let’s make it 12. We had to stop making mistakes — and we did.”

Those mistakes included two first-half fumbles by LSU wide receivers, including a costly strip inside the Clemson 15 in the closing seconds of the second quarter. But LSU responded out of the locker room, capitalizing on Clemson kicker Nolan Hauser’s missed 48-yard field goal early in the third to spark the comeback.

Clemson Comes Up Short

Despite the defense giving Klubnik two late opportunities to tie the game, Clemson’s offense faltered under pressure. The final chance came with just over a minute remaining, when Klubnik drove to the LSU 15-yard line before facing a crucial 4th-and-4. Flushed from the pocket, his desperate heave toward the end zone fell incomplete, sealing LSU’s win.

The loss was compounded by an early injury to star receiver Antonio Williams, who left in the first quarter and did not return. Head coach Dabo Swinney offered no update postgame.

“We didn’t play anywhere near where we’re capable of playing on offense,” Swinney said. “We have to own that.”

Defense Sets the Tone

While many anticipated a high-scoring showdown between two Heisman hopeful quarterbacks, the game turned into a defensive slugfest. LSU’s secondary was particularly effective, thanks in part to new personnel that allowed Kelly to play more aggressive man-to-man schemes.

“I think we got Klubnik out of rhythm,” Kelly said. “When you take away the run and make them predictable, that plays to our strengths.”

Linebacker Whit Weeks summed it up best:

“I’m glad the game got put on our shoulders — and we were able to get it done.”

Ring of Honor Highlight

Clemson honored former All-American defensive tackle Michael Dean Perry during halftime, inducting him into the program’s Ring of Honor.