In one of the biggest developments of the weekend, the dominating performance of the LSU Tiger defense is making waves across the college football world. In LSU's 17-10 victory, the LSU defense put on a show against No. 4 Clemson on Saturday night. Nothing came easy for Cade Klubnik and company, as the Clemson offense was rattled, unorganized, and out-matched by LSU's strong defensive play.
In total, Clemson managed to put just 10 points on the board, and were shutout by LSU in the second half. LSU held Dabo Swinney's team to just 261 total yards while LSU dominated time of possession 37:10-22:50. LSU also held Clemson to a 3-for-13 mark on third downs.
Clemson couldn't do anything on the ground, totaling just 36 rushing yards and a microscopic 1.6 yards per carry. Mansoor Delane stood out as an impact player for LSU, as his third quarter interception and fourth quarter PBU on a pivotal fourth-and-five play were two of the biggest plays of the game for the LSU defense.
Blake Baker gives LSU defense a great nickname
LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker orchestrated an effective game plan that left Clemson's offensive unit scratching their heads all game long. Baker is in his second season as LSU's defensive coordinator, and his group is off to a hot start in 2025. Baker has donned his defense as the "Bayou Bandits," a name that is perfectly fitting for LSU's revamped defensive attack.
Bayou Bandits just getting started! 1-0 🐯
— Blake Baker (@CoachBlakeBaker) August 31, 2025
The defensive unit even has shirts featuring the new nickname that Whit Weeks showed off after the game.
Whit Weeks says Blake Baker named the #LSU LB Room the Bayou Bandits, AND they got merch 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/aflrUXDnYR
— The Verdin Verdict (@verdinverdict) August 31, 2025
After suffering through some tough defensive seasons in recent years, LSU fans were anxious to see what the revamped defensive unit looked like this season. Going up against Klubnik and a strong Clemson passing attack presented lots of challenges, but the Bayou Bandits were up for it. It's an encouraging sign that LSU's defense could be back on track and in line for an eye-popping season. LSU will look to continue its strong defensive play next Saturday, Sept. 6 against Louisiana Tech at Tiger Stadium.