The battle for Death Valley takes center stage.
The LSU Tigers kick off the new season against a tremendously talented Clemson side! The battle for Death Valley headlines prime time this Saturday Night!
A new season brings much excitement, new hopes and dreams and many, many projections. LSU will look to better last season and bring back a star QB and more to do so. Can they make the playoff, the SEC title game and perhaps more? I can’t wait to find out.
From third down efficacy, player props, team defense/offense numbers and more, we will have a little bit of everything as we roll on this season.
Last season we ended with a negative record for the first time, but still ended up positive because of some big swings we took odds wise (2022: 19-17, 2023: 19-17, 2024: 16-20) and we hope to do better this time around. We hope to start the season strong. (0-0 in 2025)
Today, we take a look at predicting three specific areas for the team. Remember these are bold predictions. (All stats via CFBSTATS)
1 LSU +3.5 (-104, FanDuel)
Back to basics in our first week of the season.The logic here has to be Clemson cannot be as good as everyone on the media says, right? Cade Klubnik is not some other worldly athlete or did he mightily impress last season. Do they have very good players on defense, well yes, but LSU just need to keep this close and that is something Brian Kelly usually does. The game plan will be interesting, too, as Harold Perkins and the defense searches for redemption after last season’s performance, so everyone should be up to par and perform like it.
This really is bordering on a must win as the hype behind it nationally is real. This stat also solidified this pick for me: LSU went unbeaten ATS (2-0) as underdogs of 3.5 points or more last season, give me the Tigers of Baton Rouge.
2 Caden DurhamOVER 62.5 Rushing Yards
Envision a dynamic play maker with burning speed and a knack for big runs against a stout Clemson d-line, why can’t he break a few? The O-line has been a bit in flux, but Durham has big time potential and this season could top last season in what he does on the field.
It’s why I’m taking it, Durham has a bit of a chip on his shoulder and with a QB that could demand two higher playing safeties, the box could be an opportunity for Durham. Give me a great game for him in the opener.
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3 OVER 3.5 Yards per Rush
A similar hope to the one above, I do think Nussmeier can demand some respect and with it give lighter boxes, as such, Durham and company can hit this. The bet will hinge on Kelly’s willingness to rush and we’ll see how the team responds with newer receivers and Durham, who is a star, balance the work load.
They have to come out firing and I think they will. Nuss will deliver and so can this rushing attack.
Final score prediction:LSU 31-28 Clemson
Category: General Sports
