Kiffin’s Era Begins in Baton Rouge: Clemson vs. #11 LSU Expert Picks for 9/5

Nate Hornung

Written by: Nate Hornung

Published: Thu Sep 03, 2026, 5:10 pm ET

Read Time: 4 minutes

Whit Weeks and the LSU defense should shut down Clemson just like they did last year - Clemson LSU Expert Picks

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Clemson Tigers logo
Tomorrow7:30 pm ET
LSU Tigers logo

Clemson Tigers
Odds

Spread

Total

Moneyline

+10.0

-110

50

-110u

+310

LSU Tigers
Odds

Spread

Total

Moneyline

-10.0

-105

50

-110o

-370

See Picks & Statistics For The Game

We've got some Tiger on Tiger crime happening in Baton Rouge this weekend, perhaps a place some would call the "Real Death Valley". Lane Kiffin and LSU host Dabo Swinney and Clemson to kick off the college football season. Last year, LSU was victorious on the road in a low scoring contest, which began Clemson's horrendous season. Will they be able to start off the year with something positive on the road? Find out with our expert picks below.

Check out the best odds on the market and tons of picks for the NCAA Football Season.

NCAA Football Expert Insights: Clemson vs. #11 LSU

Dabo Swinney and the Tigers are looking for a lot of positivity this season after last year was brutal - Clemson LSU Expert Picks

Dabo Swinney and the Tigers are looking for a lot of positivity this season after last year was brutal

I'll try to refrain from referring to either of these teams as the Tigers from here on out, but if not, I'll at least try and place a label. Do your best to stay with me.

Clemson will be relying on Christopher Vizzina to be their guy, but is he up for the task? He is getting thrown into the fire. Not only is he facing a top 12 team on the road, he is also playing a team that has high expectations for their first year head coach. Lane Kiffin needs to wow the LSU fan base. He can do that with a very decisive win at home.

Ultimately, I want to see it from LSU before I believe it. I think the preseason No. 11 ranking was a bit too high, but maybe they are just that talented. Regardless, we will get a first look at Sam Leavitt and the LSU Tigers' offense this Saturday at home.

Matchup Information – Clemson vs. LSU – September 5

  • Venue & Location: Tiger Stadium (Baton Rouge, LA)
  • Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
  • Kick Off: 7:30 p.m. Eastern
  • Broadcast: ABC

Tigers vs. Tigers Betting Odds

Odds listed are from BetOnline as of Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 4:23 p.m. eastern.

Spread

  • Clemson +10 (-110)
  • LSU -10 (-110)

Moneyline

  • Clemson +313
  • LSU -395

Total

  • Over 50.5 (-110)
  • Under 50.5 (-110)

Clemson Tigers vs. #11 LSU Tigers: NCAA Football Expert Picks

Lane Kiffin begins his career at LSU this Saturday hosting the Clemson Tigers and Dabo Swinney - Clemson LSU Expert Picks

Lane Kiffin begins his career at LSU this Saturday hosting the Clemson Tigers and Dabo Swinney

Clemson vs. LSU Prediction: LSU Wins and Covers, Under 50.5

Best Bets: Clemson/LSU Under 50.5 (-110) BetOnline

As far as a bet on a side on this matchup, I think the number is crucial. If you can get double digits plus the hook, go ahead and take the underdog. If your number is down to 9.5, feel free to take LSU. I think we see a 28-17 game at the most, making my most confident bet on this matchup the under.

LSU's defense took it to Clemson last year, and didn't allow much offensively. I see them being motivated on both sides of the ball to show out, and prove to everyone that LSU Tiger football is back. Overall, I think both of these teams will rely on their defense throughout the season, but especially early on to keep them in games. Therefore, I'm not sure we see either team touch 30 in this contest, and I'm pretty confident both will stay under the four touchdown mark as well.

Clemson's offensive line does not give me much confidence against the Tigers' (LSU) front seven. I think they will disrupt Vizzina, make him run for his life, and sack this guy plenty. Clemson's team total is also tempting in this spot, but I trust the Tigers' (Clemson) defense to at least keep it competitive.

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Nate Hornung
Nate Hornung

Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.

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