LSU stops Cade Klubnik on 4th down to seal win vs. Clemson

In a defensive battle, No. 9 LSU edged out No. 4 Clemson 17-10, clinching the victory with a critical fourth-down stop in the final minute. The season opener between LSU and Clemson on August 30, 2025, at Memorial Stadium was a low-scoring affair, with both defenses dominating early. Clemson took a 10-3 lead into halftime after a touchdown by Adam Randall. LSU responded in the third quarter, tying the game with a rushing touchdown by Caden Durham. The Tigers’ defense then intercepted Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, but a subsequent LSU touchdown was overturned on review. In the fourth quarter, LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Trey’Dez Green to take a 17-10 lead with 12:18 remaining. Nussmeier completed 28 of 38 passes for 230 yards. Clemson had multiple chances to equalize but failed to convert on fourth down twice. The first turnover on downs occurred at the LSU 33-yard line with nine minutes left. The final drive saw Clemson advance to the LSU 11-yard line, but on fourth-and-4, Klubnik’s pass under pressure fell incomplete, sealing the win for LSU. Defensively, LSU held Clemson to just 261 total yards and 31 rushing yards, with key plays from Harold Perkins and others. This win marks LSU’s first season-opening victory under head coach Brian Kelly and improves their record against Clemson to 4-1. Both teams look to build on this performance, with LSU facing Louisiana Tech and Clemson taking on Troy in their next games.