It will not be easy for the Clemson Tigers to go into the other Death Valley and come out victorious. Even if FanDuel Sportsbook has Clemson as a 10.5-point underdog to LSU, that margin may be a bit daunting to some. Fortunately, Dabo Swinney inadvertently revealed how Clemson could knock off LSU by who he named as Week 1 captains. All four players must have a role in Clemson's upset bid.
On Thursday afternoon, Clemson announced four players as captains heading into the LSU game.
- Center Harris Sewell
- Quarterback Christopher Vizzina
- Cornerback Ashton Hampton
- Defensive end Will Heldt
Ashton Hampton and Will Heldt are two of the three most talented players on Tom Allen's defense, so their inclusion is not really a surprise at all. With Matt Luke's offensive line expected to be a strength for this team, center Harris Sewell being among the four makes sense, too. Given that Christopher Vizzina just earned the starting quarterback job, it would have been a tough scene not to include him.
For Clemson to beat LSU, the Tigers need great all-around play from their offensive line, leadership at the quarterback position, and their big-time stars on defense to make plays for them to win this one.
Lead the way. pic.twitter.com/CZE6q5oU3E
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) September 3, 2026
Clemson's captains must guide the Tigers into the Battle for Death Valley
There are levels to this. For Clemson to hold its own on defense, Hampton, Heldt, and All-American linebacker hopeful Sammy Brown must play up to their lofty standard. Not only that, but Tom Allen's defense must get some contribution from any of its players in the trenches. With defensive tackle Vic Burley suspended indefinitely, it may be Andy Burburija's time to shine after coming over from JUCO.
On offense, Chad Morris has to dictate terms with his rushing attack. He plans to run the football far more often than Clemson did under its previous offensive coordinator, Garrett Riley. With Sewell, left tackle Brayden Jacobs, and the rest of Luke's offensive line chomping at the bit coming in, that may not be too tall of a task for them. Gideon Davidson and Chris Johnson Jr. could find some daylight.
As far as the other piece of the puzzle is concerned, Vizzina has to let his maturity shine on through. He has not played much in his four years at Clemson, but he did look the part in last year's home loss to SMU. His 317 passing yards and three touchdowns did not go unnoticed. He has waited patiently for this big moment, but the stage cannot look too big for him this late into his college football career.
Ultimately, it will be almost impossible for Clemson to pull off this monumental upset bid with great games from Hampton and Heldt on defense. Sewell and the rest of offensive line need to live up to their offensive hype to keep the upset bid within reach. Most importantly, Vizzina can't lose Clemson this game. He may not have to win it for them, but he cannot be a burden for the entire Tigers offense.
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