To get a better perspective on LSU ahead of their season-opening clash with Clemson, we went behind enemy lines to speak with Connor Grootenhuis, site expert for the LSU site Death Valley Voice. Here's what he had to say about the Tigers.
Q: Coach Brian Kelly has yet to win a season opener at LSU, and the program itself hasn't started 1-0 since 2019. With a marquee matchup against Clemson to kick things off, just how crucial is this game for Kelly's tenure in Baton Rouge?
Grootenhuis: Not only is Brian Kelly 0-3 in season openers in Baton Rouge, but LSU hasn’t won a season opener since 2019. The Tigers have dropped five openers in a row, and the fan base is desperate for a 1-0 start in the worst possible way. After so much buildup and anticipation during the offseason, LSU fans have been let down year after year in five consecutive openers. Kelly won't do himself any favors with another poor performance. Conversely, if Kelly leads LSU to a massive road win at Clemson, it's off to the races for the 2025 Tigers. A win would not only get the program over the 1-0 hump, but it would put the country on notice that LSU is a legitimate National Championship contender. The Tigers will have their hands full, but a victory over Dabo Swinney's squad would do wonders for Kelly’s future at LSU.
Q: This opener features a premier quarterback duel, with LSU's Garrett Nussmeier getting a lot of attention as a potential top draft pick and Heisman candidate. What makes him such a special talent?
Grootenhuis: Garrett Nussmeier brings plenty of experience back to LSU this season. He has been at LSU for four seasons and chose to forgo the NFL Draft for another season in Baton Rouge. He’s seen a little bit of everything and has had to fight for the starting role. He is a polished passer who is poised under pressure, and nothing is going to faze him. He also does a great job of spreading the ball around to his receivers. Nussmeier totaled 4,052 passing yards last season without having a 1,000-yard receiver. Aaron Anderson led the Tigers with 884 receiving yards last season. He is an all-around solid pocket passer whose veteran leadership is invaluable to this Tiger team.
Q: Every big game has players who step up unexpectedly. Who is a potential X-factor for LSU that Clemson fans might not be aware of?
Grootenhuis: Along with bringing in five-star CB DJ Pickett, LSU’s defense got a major facelift through the transfer portal this season. The incoming class is highlighted by four-star S A.J. Haulcy, four-star CB Mansoor Delane, and four-star CB Ja’Keem Jackson. Obviously, a lot of attention has been paid to the secondary. But, one player flying under the radar on the defensive side of the ball is DL Bernard Gooden. Gooden appeared in 13 games for South Florida last season, collecting 35 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries. He received All-AAC honorable mention honors for his efforts. Gooden has been a standout in fall camp and could play a major role in LSU’s pass rush this season.
Q: When the dust settles, what is the one matchup or position group that you believe will determine the outcome for the Tigers?
Grootenhuis: The offensive line. LSU lost four starters to the NFL, and a new-look offensive line has been a major talking point throughout fall camp. The new group will have to be ready from the jump, as Clemson’s vaunted pass rush could very well be the best in the nation. If Nussmeier has time to throw, LSU will be in good shape. If not, Brian Kelly’s squad could be in trouble.
Q: Alright, the big question: How do you see this one playing out? What's your final score prediction?
Grootenhuis: 31-28 LSU.
For all of the insights from the LSU side of the ball, be sure to check out Death Valley Voice