On Saturday night, September 5, the LSU Tigers will host the Clemson Tigers in a marquee SEC opener at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, with the game slated for 7:30 p.m. Eastern time. The contest, televised nationally on ABC, pits two storied programs against each other in a battle that could set the tone for the 2025 season.
LSU enters the matchup under new head coach Lane Kiffin, whose offensive philosophy emphasizes run‑pass options that suit quarterback Sam Leavitt, a veteran who previously helped the Tigers regain SEC relevance. After a disappointing 17‑10 win last season that failed to secure Brian Kelly’s job, Kiffin’s arrival brings a fresh scheme that leans on Leavitt’s experience and the Tigers’ potent offense.
Clemson, led by longtime coach Dabo Swinney, will rely on freshman quarterback Christopher Vizzina, who arrives ranked 23rd in the LBM Coaches Poll and unranked in the AP for the first time in 15 years. The Tigers’ offensive line, still finding its footing, will be tested against a LSU defense that has shown signs of resurgence.
Betting markets currently favor LSU heavily, with a spread of 50.5 points and a moneyline of -400, underscoring the expectation that the Tigers will dominate. Nonetheless, analysts note that the game could be more competitive than the odds suggest, given Clemson’s potential to exploit early turnovers.
National Broadcast
ABC will provide live coverage, with veteran analysts Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler handling the play‑by‑play and commentary. Fans can also stream the action through the ESPN app or via a free trial on Fubo, adding flexibility for viewers across platforms.