The LSU offense is in a good spot. Several key returners and an influx of talent through the transfer portal give Brian Kelly's offense high hopes for 2025. Most notably, QB Garrett Nussmeier brings a wealth of experience, confidence, and poise in his leadership role for the Tigers. Last year's leading receiver Aaron Anderson and leading rusher Caden Durham are also back, giving LSU plenty of experience to lean on.
With that being said, LSU's biggest cause for concern when going up against Clemson is on the offensive side of the ball. The Tigers had to replace four starters on the offensive line from last season, including No. 4 overall pick Will Campbell. There's been a lot of mix and matching up front throughout fall camp, which has LSU fans waiting with bated breath to see how the offensive line group performs against a nasty Clemson pass rush.
Veteran Clemson QB Cade Klubnik gives Tiger fans a lot to worry about, but it's the offensive line that is the biggest cause for concern for LSU heading into this top-10 matchup. If LSU is going to walk out of Memorial Stadium with a win on Saturday, the O line has to be outstanding.
Peter Woods and T.J. Parker present massive problems for LSU
Clemson's vaunted pass rush is led by the dynamic duo of DT Peter Woods and EDGE T.J. Parker. The pair are both projected to be top-10 picks in the NFL Draft by ESPN's Field Yates, and they own dangerous skill sets that can give the LSU offense fits.
Woods arrived at Clemson in 2023 after winning four consecutive state titles in Alabama. He made an immediate impact for the Tigers, and was named a 2023 Freshman All-American. He enters the 2025 campaign with 59 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles over nearly 700 snaps in 23 career games.
Parker has also been with the Tigers since 2023, and has appeared in 27 games for Dabo Swinney's squad. He's logged over 1,800 career snaps, and has totaled 105 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. All six of his forced fumbles came last season, which set a Clemson program record for forced fumbles in a single season. Together, Woods and Parker give Clemson's pass rush the potential to be the best in the country.
LSU allowed 15 sacks in 13 games last season, but as previously mentioned, had a lot to replace. Brian Kelly said he will utilize a rotation in the trenches early on this season, and that as many as eight could play on Saturday. Virginia Tech transfer Braelin Moore will get the start at center, while Tyree Adams will be at left tackle. Northwestern transfer Josh Thompson will handle "one of the guard positions," while Paul Mubenga and Coen Echols will see time at the other. Weston Davis and Carius Curne are also expected to contribute at right tackle. DJ Chester and Ory Williams are also in the mix.
Not only will it be interesting to see what the official starting lineup looks like up front, but how the group holds up against Woods, Parker, and company. It is imperative that the offensive line gives Nussmeier enough time to go through his progressions and work the ball down the field. If the O line doesn't hold up, LSU may be in trouble.