Home / Sports / Kiffin's LSU storms past Clemson in 51-10 rout
Kiffin's LSU storms past Clemson in 51-10 rout
6 Sep
Summary
- LSU, under new coach Lane Kiffin, dominated Clemson 51-10.
- A significant lightning delay pushed back the game's kickoff.
- Kiffin's team displayed a powerful offense and defense.
The 2026 college football season kicked off with a resounding statement from Lane Kiffin's LSU Tigers, who eviscerated Dabo Swinney's Clemson Tigers 51-10. The highly anticipated game at Tiger Stadium was initially delayed by a significant lightning storm, pushing kickoff to a program-record 8:40 p.m. local time on Saturday, September 5, 2026. Despite the challenging weather and an early interception, LSU's formidable roster, touted as one of the sport's most expensive, demonstrated professional-level execution. Quarterback Sam Leavitt threw for 230 yards and a touchdown, while running back Dilin Jones contributed 113 yards and two touchdowns to a dominant rushing attack.
Head coach Lane Kiffin, known for his unconventional approach, used the halftime interview to address critics, stating the team didn't need "pro players" and that the team was not distracted by external narratives. Linebacker Whit Weeks echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team's focus on a single mission. This decisive victory not only silenced doubters but also signaled LSU's potential as a strong contender for the SEC and College Football Playoff. The overwhelming win left many of the rain-soaked fans celebrating exuberantly, while Clemson faced a stark reminder of their program's struggles.
