Clemson opens the 2025 season against LSU in a Week 1 matchup between two Death Valley programs. The Tigers enter with playoff aspirations but face a demanding schedule that could test those goals early.
LSU hasn’t won a season opener since 2019. Clemson has dropped three of their last four Week 1 games.
After barely making the College Football Playoff last season, the question becomes whether Clemson can afford an early stumble against quality competition.
ESPN’s David Hale believes they can survive a potential loss. He ranks Clemson among legitimate playoff contenders behind Ohio State and Texas, arguing that a defeat to LSU wouldn’t derail their season.
“Something has got to give when the two teams face off in Week 1. Clemson can probably survive a defeat, even if Dabo Swinney’s critics will begin the chorus once again that he’s past his prime.”
LSU faces more pressure heading into the opener. The Tigers must navigate a brutal SEC schedule that includes Florida, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Texas A&M, Alabama and Oklahoma.
Hale noted the stakes for LSU coach Brian Kelly, saying “Brian Kelly’s head exploding with fire like the red guy in ‘Inside Out’ should at least provide some entertainment if things go south in Baton Rouge.”
The scheduling reality favors Clemson’s playoff hopes. While both teams want the Week 1 victory, LSU needs quality wins to survive SEC competition.
Clemson benefits from playing in the more forgiving ACC despite their challenging non-conference slate. The Tigers have more margin for error than their SEC counterparts.
