Progrums

Double-Digit Dog Days: Clemson’s Gritty LSU Preview

The college football world is already charting next season’s Week 0 opener between Clemson and LSU, with FanDuel installing the Tigers as 10.5-point road underdogs in Baton Rouge. That line has risen from an initial 9.5, fueled by LSU’s home-field advantage and the hiring of Lane Kiffin, who has bolstered the Bayou Tigers’ roster with top transfers like Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt. Meanwhile, Clemson reunites former Tiger standouts Stephiylan Green and T.J. Dottery under coach Dabo Swinney’s watchful eye. On offense, Chad Morris’s scheme must produce more than last season’s 10 points at Tiger Stadium. QB Christopher Vizzina holds the early lead, though Chris Denson lurks. Defensively, coordinator Tom Allen leans on newcomers in place of departed linemen Peter Woods, T.J. Parker and Avieon Terrell. After a lackluster 7-6 campaign, Clemson will relish this underdog tag as motivation to silence the doubters.

Here we go again—Clemson gets to taste the sweet flavor of doubt courtesy of the fine folks at FanDuel. Nothing like waking up to a double-digit apology note before the season even kicks off! Meanwhile, LSU just hired Lane Kiffin to sprinkle stardust on Death Valley and scooped up every transfer QB with a pulse. It’s the NCAA’s version of “Gladiator,” but with more shoulder pads and fewer dramatic monologues. Dabo swears by his guys, but let’s be honest: the real MVP might be the oddsmakers, who just love setting the stage for another Clemson redemption arc. If they pull off a win, they’ll have earned it the old-fashioned way—by making everyone think they couldn’t.