Staff score predictions for Clemson vs. LSU, the battle for the 'real' Death Valley

It always feels fantastic to say, and getting to do so every year is such a treat. Ladies and gentlemen, the long wait is over… Clemson football is back.

Each year starts differently for every program. For No. 4 Clemson and No. 9 LSU, it's a Top 10 matchup under the lights with a ridiculous amount of opportunities. An early National Championship contender statement, setting the tone for your season, Heisman contenders' first opportunities to showcase why they are on the early shortlist, a chance to impact the 'real' Death Valley argument (even though historically it is clearly Clemson), and many more storylines you can take a deep dive into. It is arguably the best game on the Week 1 slate; it just depends on who you're asking.

This matchup carries weight beyond a typical Week 1 opener. Clemson and LSU last met in the 2019 National Championship Game, where Joe Burrow and the Tigers came out on top 42-25. Since then, both programs have had their ups and downs, but they remain among the elite teams in college football, making this primetime showdown one of the most compelling openings of the season.

Dabo Swinney and Brian Kelly have faced off four times during Kelly’s tenure at Notre Dame, with Swinney winning three of those games. From a rain-soaked 24-22 Clemson victory to a 27-point CFP semifinal win and the thrilling 47-40 showdown in South Bend, their history is filled with high-stakes, memorable contests.

Saturday, Heisman hopeful quarterbacks Cade Klubnik and Garrett Nussmeier will have a chance to make a statement, setting the tone for the season ahead. Both teams bring championship-level talent, experience, and motivation, and how they execute under the lights will ultimately determine who leaves Memorial Stadium with the early bragging rights.

Here’s how our staff predicts this one will play out and the final score.

Turri: Clemson 38, LSU 31

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers are in the best position we've seen the program in some time. The roster on paper is arguably the best in the country, the coaching staff feels talented and secure for the first time in years, and they have an opportunity to set the tone right out the gate in the 2025 season, which I believe they will.

It all starts with Clemson's new defensive coordinator, Tom Allen, and what he's brought to this Clemson defense. It's a real night and day difference that has me incredibly excited about this defense that has three top fifteen defenders in college football. There was and is way too much talent on this Clemson defense for last year's awful showing against the run. I'm not expecting those issues in 2025. Garrett Nussmeier and LSU's offense is explosive, but they are facing one of the toughest tests in college football.

That's the real difference maker for me… comparing both offenses and defenses. Clemson and LSU have high-powered, elite offenses. Points will be put on the board; I just think there's a much more serious differential in talent between these defenses than many are acknowledging.

Those points, along with Clemson having the home field advantage, I have them winning in a tight game, but an impressive performance from Swinney's Tigers.

Holley: Clemson , LSU

-Steve's prediction

Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions

This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson Wire staff score predictions for Clemson vs. LSU Week 1