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2026-09-08 18:11 UTC → 2026-09-09 12:53 UTC ·
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LSU defeats Clemson 51-10 in season opener coach Swinney faces scrutiny after LSU loss
The No. 11 LSU Tigers secured a dominant Following Clemson’s 51-10 victory over the Clemson Tigers in their Week 1 season opener at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge. The game, which faced a two-hour weather delay due to rain and lightning, represents the largest margin of defeat in Dabo Swinney’s 18-year tenure at Clemson and marks the program's fourth consecutive season-opening loss. loss to LSU, making the debut of head coach Lane Kiffin, controlled the game by outgaining Clemson 644 to 145 in total yards. Quarterback Sam Leavitt led the offense with 230 passing yards Dabo Swinney has faced heightened scrutiny regarding his leadership and 113 rushing yards, accounting roster management. During a Tuesday press conference, Swinney drew criticism for three total touchdowns. Running back Dilin Jones also contributed 113 rushing yards and two touchdowns during the rout. Clemson struggled offensively, recording negative rushing yards in the first half and managing only eight first downs throughout the game, converting just one his dismissal of 13 third-down opportunities. Clemson's lone touchdown was scored by David Eziomume. Following a reporter’s question about offseason roster construction. When asked about the historically poor performance, head coach Dabo team's makeup, Swinney acknowledged responded by asking the criticism, stating, “You play like that, reporter, “Did you deserve to be criticized,” and noted his team was “outplayed play football?” and outcoached in every facet of stated he is focused on the game.” Scrutiny regarding Swinney’s long-term future upcoming game against Georgia Southern rather than addressing “narratives.” The backlash has intensified following extended to former Clemson players, including Xavier Thomas, Jordan Leggett, and DJ Reader, who expressed disappointment on social media regarding the team's performance. This tension follows a disappointing 2025 season. Analysts season in which Clemson finished 7-6, further fueling debates over Swinney’s long-term future and former players have pointed to his reluctance to utilize the transfer portal as a contributing factor to the program's struggles in the current NIL era. Meanwhile, LSU fans expressed dissatisfaction with former quarterback Jayden Daniels, booing his image on the stadium video board following a legal dispute regarding his NIL rights.