5 takeaways from LSU soccer’s week one win over Clemson

[ad_1] LSU soccer is 1-0. It has been some time since we have been in a position to say that. Brian Kelly and the Tigers went on the highway to defeat a top-10 Clemson group, profitable as an underdog.

Defenses dominated the primary half. Neither offense might set up the run as each entrance sevens had been dwelling within the backfield. LSU was making use of stress to Clemson QB Cade Klubnik with Harold Perkins and PJ Woodland each registering sacks early within the sport.

LSU's offensive struggles had been particularly prevalent on third down early within the sport. The 2 offenses had been a mixed 2/11 on third downs within the first half, however two key fourth-down conversions from Clemson had been sufficient for Dabo Swinney's crew to search out the top zone. Clemson led 10-3 after the primary two quarters.

Within the second half, LSU's offense started to get up. LSU RB Caden Durham discovered the top zone early within the third quarter to tie it at 10. LSU's protection continued to get stops, and with 3:01 to go within the third, Nussmeier related with Trey'Dez Inexperienced for a landing that gave LSU a 17-10 lead. The protection completed the job.

Listed here are 5 takeaways from LSU's win over Clemson.

LSU's secondary got here to play It has been talked about all summer season. This LSU secondary is the perfect group of defensive backs Brian Kelly has had at LSU. That was confirmed on Saturday evening.

Virginia Tech switch Mansoor Delane was one of many top-ranked switch corners within the class. Delane arrived at LSU as a confirmed energy 4 cornerback, and his veteran presence was felt vs. Clemson. Delane picked off Klubnik within the third quarter and later within the evening, put an finish to Clemson's drive by forcing an incompletion on fourth down. Delane performed like an All-SEC cornerback, shutting down Clemson's proficient group of broad receivers.

Delane wasn't the one one. PJ Woodland made some good performs. So did security Jardin Gilbert, who acquired the beginning after AJ Haulcy was pressured to sit down out the primary half.

If LSU's secondary performs like this each week, this protection goes to be superb.

Garrett Nussmeier performs a clear soccer sport Garrett Nussmeier did not have his greatest stuff within the first half, however he settled in to play a clear soccer sport. Nussmeier was 28/38 for 218 yards with a landing. However in a sport the place the margins had been slim, Nussmeier protected the soccer. The LSU QB did not flip the ball over and solely took one sack.

LSU's offense wasn't explosive, so the Tigers could not afford to take destructive performs. Nussmeier did his greatest to maintain LSU out of dangerous conditions.

This wasn't the prolific efficiency we all know Nussmeier is able to, however he did sufficient to get LSU the win, and he made the throws when it mattered.

LSU utilized fixed stress on Klubnik For nearly as good as LSU's secondary performed, the entrance seven was even higher. Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik was underneath fixed duress. It started on the primary drive, when LSU cornerback PJ Woodland ran free by means of the B-gap for a sack. Later within the half, LSU linebacker Harold Perkins registered his first sack of the 12 months.

Between the tight protection from LSU's secondary and havoc from the entrance seven, Klubnik by no means discovered a rhythm.

With the sport on the road within the fourth quarter, Perkins delivered one last fourth-down stress. Perkins pressured an early throw, Clemson turned it over on downs, and that was the sport.

Aaron Anderson practically totals 100 yards LSU's offense did not put up huge numbers on Saturday, however it was an excellent day for broad receiver Aaron Anderson, who got here up simply wanting 100 yards. Anderson caught six passes for 99 yards, which included taking a display screen go 39 yards to place LSU in scoring place.

Anderson was LSU's main receiver in 2024 and has an opportunity to place collectively an All-SEC season in 2025. Nussmeier is comfy with Anderson, which may very well be important given the brand new faces in LSU's broad receiver room.

LSU places an finish to week one woes Week one has haunted LSU in recent times. Earlier than Saturday, LSU hadn't gained per week one contest since 2019. It has been some time. That span consists of losses to Mississippi State, UCLA, a few losses to Florida State, and final 12 months's loss to USC.

With LSU dealing with a top-10-ranked group on the highway, it appeared just like the week one dropping streak may proceed. However LSU stopped the bleeding. Brian Kelly's Tigers confirmed up and acquired it accomplished. There is a totally different vibe round this group now. LSU will get to play with a margin of error from right here on out with a signature win already on the resume.