Let’s be honest — most Week 1 games are just glorified warm-ups. But LSU vs. Clemson? That’s no tune-up. That’s a collision course between two powerhouse programs, and Brian Kelly made it crystal clear at SEC Media Days: LSU is coming in swinging.
🗣️ Kelly on the Mic: “This Is a Big Game — And We’re Embracing It”
You could feel the shift in tone when Kelly took the podium. After a rough 0-3 record in season openers since taking over at LSU, he’s done easing into seasons.
“We’ve been 0-3 in openers at LSU under my watch,” Kelly admitted.
“We needed to do some things differently this year. That is — embrace this opener. Embracing it in a manner that this is a big game… We want to be ready for this football game.”
No hedging. No generic “it’s just another game” coach-speak. Kelly’s saying what LSU fans want to hear: this one matters, and they’re treating it like a playoff game.
💥 LSU vs. Clemson: More Than Just a Game
This August 30th clash at 7:30 PM on ABC is loaded with storylines:
- Early playoff implications
- National bragging rights
- And the never-ending battle over who truly owns the “Death Valley” nickname
Kelly couldn’t resist throwing a jab Clemson’s way on that last one:
“We still think we are THE Death Valley,” he said.
“They can use the name too. We are letting them borrow it.”
Classic SEC energy.
🧠 Kelly vs. Dabo: Familiar Foes, Different Colors
Kelly and Dabo Swinney have a history, squaring off multiple times when Kelly was at Notre Dame. And despite the competitive fire, there’s clear respect.
“We open up with a great program in Clemson. I know Dabo very well… and just have a ton of respect,” Kelly said.
But don’t get it twisted — this isn’t a reunion. It’s a battle of national contenders.
🏆 A Look at the History
Here’s how the all-time series stands:
- LSU leads 3-1
- Last meeting: LSU crushed Clemson 42-25 in the 2019 National Championship
- Under Swinney: the Tigers have split their last two with LSU
This year, the stakes are even higher, and both fanbases are already circling the date.
🔥 Why This Game Matters Now
Let’s not overlook the pressure on both sides:
- For LSU: This is Kelly’s chance to finally shake the slow-start stigma. A win here would set the tone for a team with SEC title — and playoff — dreams.
- For Clemson: A win would reignite national title talk after a few rollercoaster seasons. Beating LSU in Week 1? That’d be one heck of a statement.
If this Week 1 brawl doesn’t get your college football blood pumping, check your pulse. Two elite programs. Two elite coaches. One primetime spotlight. And enough playoff buzz to fill both “Death Valleys.”
Brian Kelly says his Tigers are embracing the pressure this time around. And if LSU walks out 1-0, that message might just mark the start of something special in Baton Rouge.
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