The LSU Tigers play their first game of the season in less than a week, and just like last year, it will be against Clemson. This is going to be a very interesting game for both teams because each is starting a bit of a new era. LSU has new additions throughout the roster, a new starting QB in Sam Leavitt, and a new HC with Lane Kiffin. Then, Clemson has some more continuity, but a QB will be taking snaps this season. There is no offical word on who that would be, but it is likely Christopher Vizzina.
With the game nearly here, Kiffin’s focus is set on Clemson, and in an interview with DJ Siddiqi of Covers.com, LSU’s HC was asked about Clemson and the opposing coach, Dabo Swinney.
When asked about the game and a key factor for the Tigers to win this game, this is what Kiffin had to say:
“Not to get too caught up in the environment, got to play really good football, limit turnovers, play really disciplined, don’t get penalties. Don’t play with too much emotion because there’s going to be a lot. The place is going to be electric. There’s been so much buildup for eight months now for this game and to see this team play.”
As always, with the game in Baton Rouge, the energy will be high, and, as Kiffin noted, players could get caught up in it. Kiffin has had experience in environments close to what Death Valley can bring on a gameday, and has been against it himself, so he knows what’s going through the minds of the opponents and his own players. Staying calm is extremely important for the LSU team, especially Sam Leavitt.
The former Arizona State QB has not played in an environment like Death Valley, so avoiding getting caught up in the energy is vital to the offense’s success. Just like Kiffin said, avoiding turnovers is extremely important, which may not happen if Leavitt gets jumpy in the pocket.
Regarding the opposing HC, Kiffin praised Swinney and, of course, brought up a story about pickleball:
““Yeah, I’m a big fan of Dabo. I think he’s been amazing for college football. He’s been so remarkable in an era that’s really hard to keep it going and to coach that long. I’ve spent some time with him even this summer. We were down in the same place in Boca Grande, and we played his sons in pickleball too.
We need to make sure we win this game like we beat them in pickleball. Me and my partner Sawyer, we beat them in a series, so we have that over them. We said next time we’ll see (each other) it’ll be in Tiger Stadium.”
Kiffin clearly has respect for Swinney, and he had to slip in a story about pickleball. Swinney and Clemson have had some down years recently, but this is still a difficult coach to go up against, and it’s why Saturday will be such a massive test for LSU. Their impressive win didn’t really matter in the end last season, but whatever happens this year will. LSU can not lose this game.
