The talking can finally stop and we’ll finally see if 9th ranked LSU can actually win a season opener when they take on 4th ranked Clemson.
Here are my five big questions for the game.
1. Can LSU’s new look offensive line hold up?
Coach Brian Kelly seems fine rotating different offensive linemen in at the left guard spot and at right tackle. If you talk to former offensive linemen, they will tell you that’s not a great idea when you are playing in a hostile environment and facing two defensive linemen, Peter Woods and T.J. Park, that are preseason All-ACC first team selections.
Clemson returns four starters on its offensive line, but starting right guard Walker Parks could miss the game after suffering an injury in preseason camp. Parks is a sixth-year senior who has been on the field for over 2,500 snaps at Clemson.
2. Can LSU run the football?
LSU was last in the SEC in rushing the football last season and the Tigers have once again said they are committed to running the football. Oddsmakers have sophomore running back Caden Durham leading the SEC in rushing yards this season.
It’s time for junior Kaleb Jackson to become an impact player and how much will converted running back JuJuan Johnson contribute to the running game?
Freshman Harlem Berry is an X factor. Can he make the jump from playing football at St. Martin’s High School in Metairie to dodging SEC tacklers? Berry could be a threat as a receiver out of the backfield.
3. Can Garrett Nussmeier limit the turnovers
ESPN college football analyst Greg McElroy has predicted LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will throw two-plus interceptions in Saturday night’s game. For Nussmeier to be a serious candidate for the Heisman, he must limit the interceptions. He threw 12 of them last year. Kelly has told Nussmeier a zero play is okay. Meaning throwing it away, or scrambling out of the pocket for a minimal gain. Let’s see if that teaching translates to the game.
4. Can Harold Perkins be that impact player again?
The Tigers linebacker makes his return Saturday night after missing most of last season with a torn ACL. Perkins is playing the STAR position, and he says it will allow him to showcase his pass rush abilities as well as his pass coverage skills. It’s critical for this LSU defense to have Perkins be the guy that makes impact plays.
5. Can LSU generate a pass rush and stop a running QB?
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is more mobile than Nussmeier and is a threat when he gets out of the pocket, not only with his legs, but he can also throw on the run. LSU has brought in several new edge rushers to better contain a running quarterback. This will be a good test for Jack Pyburn, Jimari Butler and Patrick Payton, along with sophomore Gabriel Reliford.
My prediction. I’ve really wrestled with this one. We all know the recent history of LSU failing to make plays at critical moments in season openers. I don’t like the idea of breaking in a new offensive line on the road against a Top 10 opponent.
AJ Haulcy’s first-half suspension for fighting in his last game at Houston also seems like a bad omen. How did this coaching staff not know this could be a possibility until Wednesday?
But I believe Clemson is a little overrated. They were not in the game against Georgia last year. Lost to South Carolina and fell to Louisville at home. Texas also ran aoll over them in the College Football playoffs. Plus, there are major questions about Clemson’s special teams after having six kicks blocked last year and they don’t have an established punter.
Pick:
I have LSU winning 27-20. I don’t feel great about the pick, but I believe LSU will figure out a way to win and go 10-2 on the season.
