On Saturday night, Death Valley comes alive, rain or shine. This home opener for the LSU Tigers was a long-awaited one. The spotlight was not on the team. It shined brightly on the new Head Coach Lane Kiffin, despite Sam Leavitt’s transfer from ASU. He exited Ole Miss dramatically before last season’s College Football Playoffs. His arrival at Death Valley carried high expectations. On Saturday, he met every single one of them.
Photo Cred: The State
The lights shined bright in Tiger Stadium, despite the lightning delay and the downpour of rain. Nevertheless, students and fans remained. Meanwhile, seats filled for kickoff, and fans were ready to watch their Tigers face Clemson. Once the first whistle blew and Clemson kicked the ball off to LSU, Tiger Stadium came alive with electricity. Following that drive, LSU’s first attempt ended in an interception by Hampton, and Clemson kicked its solitary field goal.
Afterwards, LSU did not let up. Lane Kiffin’s up-tempo offense proved to work well, earning LSU a total of 644 yards and a total of 6 touchdowns. Sam Leavitt took this night to make it clear why he was the best choice for LSU, making his debut in Tiger Stadium a memorable one for LSU fans. Leavitt totaled 3 touchdowns, earning 2 from his feet, while passing for a total of 230 yards and rushing for 113, tying the most rushing yards for LSU during the game.
Photo Cred: Gridiron
His entrance is exciting Tiger fans all around, hoping this new quarterback will bring LSU success in this upcoming season. Lane Kiffin’s offense saw an even spread between rushing and passing. It showed both sectors will be dangerous this season. LSU gained 320 rushing yards with 4 touchdowns and passed for 335 yards with 2 touchdowns. The defense proved themselves dangerous as well, holding Clemson to a total of 145 yards for the game.
Along with Defensive End Jordan Ross intercepting Clemson’s quarterback, Christopher Vizzina, and returning it for a 30-yard touchdown. Even with the stadium beginning to clear out at halftime. LSU continued to put 20 more points on the board in the second half. In the last minutes of the game, Clemson was able to score their only touchdown. It came from running back David Eziomume on an 11-yard run. The fans sold out Tiger Stadium, and in return, Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers put on a show.
