Lane Kiffin's debut as LSU's head coach couldn't have started much worse. Just two plays into the game, quarterback Sam Leavitt's pass was tipped and intercepted by Clemson's Ashton Hampton, handing the Tigers prime field position and sending a jolt of anxiety through Tiger Stadium.
The game, delayed two hours by lightning, finally kicked off at 8:40 p.m. CT. The extra time didn't help Leavitt, whose second throw of the night was deflected by his own receiver and landed in Hampton's hands. The crowd, which had been buzzing for months, suddenly went quiet.
But the LSU defense wasn't rattled. They forced a quick three-and-out, and Clemson settled for a 49-yard field goal by Nolan Hauser, taking a 3-0 lead. On the next drive, LSU's offense found some rhythm, marching 59 yards into Clemson territory, but stalled and had to settle for a 49-yard kick of their own. Scott Starzyk nailed it, tying the game at 3-3.
LSU vs. the World
There's been a lot of noise surrounding this LSU team. Kiffin's controversial departure from Ole Miss, his aggressive pursuit of NFL talent, and a host of other storylines have made the Tigers a polarizing squad. Many fans without a dog in the fight were quietly rooting for Clemson, hoping to see the new-look LSU stumble.
Clemson may not be the dynasty of the Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence era, but they're still a solid, well-coached team under Dabo Swinney. They're more than capable of capitalizing on mistakes, and that early interception gave them a golden opportunity.
The question now is whether LSU can shake off the early miscue and find their footing. The defense has held strong so far, but the offense needs to protect the ball and start moving the chains. With the game on ABC and a national audience watching, the pressure is mounting.
For more on the storm delay that pushed this game back, check out the storm delay details. And if you're interested in how other teams have handled early-season pressure, see Boise State's upset bid. Also, Kiffin's family has been in the spotlight leading up to this game.
Stay tuned as this one unfolds. LSU's response to this early adversity will define their season opener.
