We’ve made our LSU vs Clemson prediction for tonight’s showdown in Death Valley.
Clemson and LSU rank as top-10 teams to make the College Football Playoff.
Read below for LSU vs prediction, pick and updated odds for Saturday (Aug. 30)
Week 1 features a battle of Death Valleys in the first-ever regular-season matchup between the LSU Tigers and Clemson Tigers. LSU (9-4 in 2024) comes in as the No.9 team in the AP Poll while Clemson (10-4 in 2024) ranks No.4. Clemson plays host at 7:30 ET on Saturday, August 30th, on an ABC broadcast.
We’ve locked in our LSU vs Clemson prediction for Saturday, plus we’ll tell you the updated betting line.
LSU vs Clemson Prediction & Pick
Under 57.5 (-118, FanDuel)
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Both teams are retaining their 2024 quarterbacks. On the LSU side, Garrett Nussmeier enters his fifth season of college football. Last season, he led the SEC in completions, pass attempts, and interceptions. He passed for more than 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns after taking over for 2023 Heisman winner Jayden Daniels.
Notably, Nussmeier is inheriting the famed No.18 jersey for the Tigers. No.18 is LSU’s so-called “great teammate” jersey, and Nussmeier is the first quarterback to don the number since Matt Mauck did so for the 2003 National Championship team. Nussmeier is currently second in Heisman odds behind Texas’ Arch Manning.
"Garrett Nussmeier is going to win the Heisman." @JRodgers11's Heisman pick is in 👀 @LSUfootball pic.twitter.com/7onaW7vJjY
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) August 30, 2025
Clemson’s Cade Klubnik possesses a similar quality. He nearly doubled his touchdown production in 2024, throwing for 36 touchdowns to only six interceptions. He added seven rushing touchdowns – only Cam Ward and John Mateer accounted for more than Klubnik’s 43 total touchdowns.
Klubnik was at his best in Clemson’s biggest games. In the ACC Title Game versus SMU, Klubnik threw for 262 yards and four touchdowns. In Clemson’s playoff game versus Texas, Klubnik had 336 yards and three touchdowns, giving Clemson a chance before a back-breaking touchdown put the game out of reach. Klubnik enters 2025 as the third favorite to win the Heisman.
The matchup to watch is LSU’s offensive line versus Clemson’s defensive line. Four of LSU’s five starters from their 2024 offensive line were drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft. On the other hand, Clemson retains defensive tackle Peter Woods and edge rusher T.J. Parker. Both players project as early Day 1 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
2025 ACC Players to Watch: Peter Woods🐅
DL Peter Woods headlines a loaded Tigers front with T.J. Parker, Demonte Capehart & Will Heldt. Woods posted 28 tackles, 8.5 TFL & 3 sacks last season and is poised for a breakout 2025.@ClemsonFB | @ClemsonTigers | #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/RjTXgSMsn8
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) August 25, 2025
Parker ranked in the top 10 in the country in sacks and forced an ACC-leading six fumbles. Woods is a versatile tree stump of an interior presence who consumes double teams and clears the path for Clemson’s linebackers to make plays in the backfield.
Clemson’s offense, while one of the top ones in the country last season, did lose a key piece in running back Phil Mafah. In four seasons at Clemson, Mafah ran for nearly 2,900 yards and 28 touchdowns. Last season, he was fifth in the ACC with 1,115 rushing yards.
The passing game is largely intact as Clemson’s top three receivers return alongside Klubnik. Last season, Antonio Williams led the ACC with 11 touchdown catches, and he had over 1,000 scrimmage yards.
With questions for both offenses to answer, I’ll take a slight under in what could be a CFP preview between two sets of Tigers.
LSU vs Clemson Betting Lines
| Betting Market | LSU | Clemson |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +4 (-110, BetMGM) | -3.5 (-110, Caesars) |
| Moneyline | +150 (BetMGM) | -166 (FanDuel) |
| Total | Over 56.5 (-110, DraftKings) | Under 57.5 (-118, FanDuel) |
The oddsmakers have Clemson as a home favorite with the total set at 57.5. Over bettors should use DraftKings’ line of over 56.5 at -110 odds. Under bettors should take under 57.5 at FanDuel at -118.
If you wish to back Clemson, you can get them at -3.5 on the spread at Caesars or -166 on the moneyline at FanDuel. If you are betting on LSU, take them at +4 at BetMGM or +150 on the money line, also at BetMGM.
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