The LSU Tigers take on the Clemson Tigers in Clemson, SC, on Saturday, Aug. 30. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Clemson is favored by 4 points on the spread with a moneyline of -185. LSU, meanwhile, comes in at +154 to pull off the upset. The over/under sits at 57.5 points.
Here’s my LSU vs. Clemson prediction and college football picks for Saturday, August 30.
LSU vs Clemson Prediction
- LSU vs. Clemson Pick: Clemson -4 or Better
My Clemson vs. LSU best bet is on Clemson to cover the spread. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
LSU vs Clemson Odds, Spread
| LSU Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4 -110 | 57.5 -110o / -110u | +154 |
| Clemson Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4 -110 | 57.5 -110o / -110u | -185 |
- LSU vs Clemson Point Spread: Clemson -4
- LSU vs Clemson Total: 57.5 points
- LSU vs Clemson ML: Clemson -185, LSU +154
LSU vs Clemson College Football Betting Preview
LSU Tigers Betting Preview: Can They Stop Big Plays?
The LSU defense continues to give up explosive plays under head coach Brian Kelly's watch.
Coordinator Blake Baker was poached from Missouri for the 2024 season and helped produce great pass-rushing results, but defending at the second level continues to elude the Tigers. LSU finished 81st in coverage grading, per PFF, and a lower 88th in contested catch rate.
Thanks to a heavy transfer portal class, the collective talent in the secondary has improved.
Mansoor Delane brings 16 pass breakups and six interceptions from Virginia Tech, giving him one of the best resumes in the revamped secondary.
The biggest question with LSU should come on the offensive side of the ball, where eight players may rotate on the offensive line.
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier saw 153 pressures on 553 dropbacks last season, increasing his chance of mistakes. The fifth-year senior saw a spike in turnover worth play rate from 1.9 to 6% when dealing with a crowded pocket.
The good news for the quarterback is the depth at wide receiver, as Barion Brown (Kentucky) and Nic Anderson (Oklahoma) were added.
Clemson Tigers Betting Preview: Portal Additions to Help
Head coach Dabo Swinney did two unthinkable things over the offseason.
The portal was an afterthought for Clemson football until this offseason, when Swinney pulled a number of targets.
The Tigers' depth should benefit from the portal, while an outside hire at defensive coordinator should shore up their numbers stopping the run.
Tom Allen joins after a successful stint as Penn State's defensive coordinator following his time as the head coach at Indiana. Allen will have everything needed to generate Havoc, from T.J. Parker's 11 sacks off the edge to interior Peter Woods generating 20 pressures.
Another season with the combination of offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and quarterback Cade Klubnik should produce highlights. The quarterback has lowered his turnover-worthy play rate season-over-season and now returns with a potent set of wideouts.
Antonio Williams received 100 targets primarily from the slot, while Bryant Wesco Jr. lived up to his freshman hype at the end of last season.
With 135 starts returning to the offensive line, this will be one of the best offenses in the nation.
LSU vs Clemson Pick, Betting Analysis
On paper, LSU did an outstanding job of piecing together players with high-level experience in the secondary. The big question in hostile territory is its ability to communicate on the field.
The Tigers have been fantastic in creating a pass rush and stiffening in the red zone, but in terms of tackling, they reside outside the top 50 in FBS.
If Klubnik can get traction with wide receiver-turned-running back Adam Randall, LSU will need Harold Perkins Jr. to return to his freshman form.
The handicap in this game comes down to the efficiency of the LSU offensive line, as none of the new starters have sustained experience.
While a rotation may be used to identify the best starting five combination, Clemson will send out a number of defensive All-American candidates who will look to force Nussmeier into a pressured pocket.
Pick: Clemson -4 or Better
