The LSU Tigers exploded on the field Saturday, routing Clemson 51‑10 and vaulting three spots in the AP Top‑25 Poll, now positioned among the nation’s elite with five first‑place votes.
Quarterback Sam Leavitt, making his debut for the Tigers, accounted for 343 total yards, throwing for 230 yards and two touchdowns while adding 113 rushing yards and two more scores, a performance that underscored his dual‑threat capability.
LSU’s offensive outburst produced 644 total yards, the first such haul since November 2023, and the team logged a program‑record 38 first downs, illustrating a level of dominance analysts called the best performance against the best opponent.
Former Heisman winner Robert Griffin III hailed the Tigers as the strongest team in the country, while Clemson coach Dabo Swinney watched his squad struggle to contain the onslaught.
Coach Kiffin Stresses Focus
Head coach Lane Kiffin emphasized that elite focus and meticulous preparation would be essential for the upcoming clash with Louisiana Tech, noting that the Tigers must stay disciplined to maintain their momentum.
The Tigers now travel to Ruston to face the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in Week 2, a matchup that could further elevate LSU if they continue to dominate on both sides of the ball.
The poll’s top five—Ohio State, Georgia, Notre Dame, Texas and Indiana—set the stage for a potential top‑five showdown next weekend, heightening the stakes for LSU’s pursuit of a higher ranking.