The LSU Tigers, riding the success of a bend-don’t-break defense and suffocating time of possession, defeated the Clemson Tigers on Saturday, 17-10. Despite a capacity crowd on hand for this top ten matchup, the Tigers now drop to 0-3 in their last three opening week matchups. How did both Tiger teams end up at this 17-10 final? Let’s examine some of the key plays that defined this primetime heavyweight showdown.
First Quarter, 9:58 – LSU fumble On their second possession of the game, LSU’s star quarterback
Garrett Nussmeier completed a quick hitch to tight end Bauer Sharp. The 6 ‘5 Sharp was walloped by star cornerback Avion Terrell, dislodging the football and setting up a Ricardo Jones scoop and return down to the LSU 23 yard line. The orange Tigers got stuffed once inside the redzone, resulting in a Nolan Hauser field goal to put the good guys up 3-0.
Second Quarter, 12:25 – Will Heldt sack on Garrett Nussmeier
Credit where credit is due, the Tom Allen defense held their own on Saturday against an offense that had a simple yet effective gameplan. Star transfer Will Heldt, a gaudy 6 ‘6 defensive end from Purdue, picked up his first sack as a Clemson Tiger on a key third down. Heldt, along with Alabama transfer Jamal Anderson, saw significant playing time Saturday despite their transfer portal status. Heldt’s sack couldn’t stop LSU kicker Damian Ramos, who nailed a long field goal to tie up the score at 3.
Second Quarter, 6:20 – Fourth Down Conversion
On the LSU 25, Cade Klubnik connected with Bryant Wesco on a mesh concept. Wesco scampered down to the LSU 4 yard line, setting up 1st and Goal from inside the five. Although Garrett Riley was bailed by his star receiver making a great play after the catch, the Tigers struggled to get those last four yards. Finally on fourth and goal, Adam Randall punched in the orange Tigers’ only touchdown of the game.
Second Quarter, 0:17 – LSU Fumble on Fourth Down
Trailing 10-3, the veteran Nussmeier and LSU’s offense got back to work quickly. On their last drive of the first half, LSU called a trick play reverse, with receiver Zavion Thomas completing a pass to Aaron Anderson to give the purple Tigers a chance at the endzone before the break. Once again, the stingy Tom Allen defense forced LSU into a fourth and short situation from the Clemson 13. Instead of taking the points, Brian Kelly got aggressive, and it looked to pay off with LSU receiver Chris Helton Jr falling ahead for a first down. But like Avion Terrell’s forced fumble earlier in the game, Ronan Hanafan, the Tigers leading tackler on the night, punched the ball from Helton Jr and the good guys recovered. A kneel down to end the half kept the score at 10-3.
Third Quarter, 12:53 – Nolan Hauser missed 48-yard field goal
Receiving the opening kick of the second half, Cade Klubnik marched the Tiger offense into LSU territory. Acrobatic catches by Olson Patt-Henry and Bryant Wesco set up the orange Tigers with a chance to go up two scores in the second half. It seemed the vaunted LSU defense was finally beginning to wilt under the pressure. Unfortunately, you can’t underestimate Garrett Riley’s ability to kill a promising drive. Horrendous playcalling set up a 48 yard attempt from the usually reliable Nolan Hauser. Hauser pushed his kick just wide to the right, giving LSU a ton of momentum and great field position.
Third Quarter, 8:23 – Klubnik INT
After Hauser’s missed field goal, LSU quickly drove down the field and scored a two-yard touchdown to tie up the ballgame at 10. In a make or break drive for the Clemson offense, Cade Klubnik overshot an open Cole Turner, resulting in a Mansoor Delane interception. While LSU didn’t capitalize on the turnover, the INT stifled a fleeting Clemson offensive unit.
Third Quarter, 1:10 – Ashton Hampton Pass Interference
On 3rd and 11 from the LSU 37, Garrett Nussmeier tried to connect with Zavion Thomas on a crossing route into Clemson territory. Ashton Hampton was in coverage, and knocked the ball away in what looked in real time to be a clean PBU. On the replay, Hampton was grabbing at Thomas’s jersey, and the refs made the correct call here. Arguably this penalty was the turning point in the ball game, as LSU kept their drive alive and scored to go up 17-10 early in the fourth quarter.
Fourth Quarter, 12:24 – Trey’Dez Green Touchdown Catch
Speaking of which, in a play eerily similar to Calvin Johnson’s game sealing grab over Justin Miller in 2004 —not entirely sure why that was the first thing that popped into my head — Trey’Dez Green outmuscled Avion Terrell to haul in an 8 yard touchdown pass. Ultimately, this would be the game-winning score, as the magic of Garrett Riley’s offensive gameplan somehow didn’t materialize in points on the scoreboard.
