No. 16 SMU Opens Season with 42-13 Win Over East Texas A&M

Blue Devils Start Strong Duke opened its matchup against Texas Tech with confidence, taking the first set 25-14 in dominant fashion. Behind an efficient .387 hitting percentage and a strong defensive presence at the net, the Blue Devils appeared ready to control the match. Freshman outside hitter Ashby Zubchevich and sophomore Taylor Williams led the charge, combining for seven kills in the frame. Duke also produced five blocks, with middle blocker Zoë Gillen-Malveaux contributing two block assists and a solo stop. The early performance put Duke in front 1-0 and gave them momentum inside Stegeman Coliseum . Red Raiders Flip the Script Texas Tech responded in the second set with an emphatic 25-10 win that completely shifted the tone of the match. The Red Raiders hit .360 while holding Duke to a negative percentage, fueled by five team blocks and steady back-row defense. Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week Sierra Grizzle anchored the floor with several digs, while graduate setter Peyton Dunn entered the match and guided the offense effectively. Reagan Engler added multiple kills in the frame as Texas Tech quickly tied the match 1-1 . Control in the Third The third set began with Texas Tech racing to an 8-4 lead, sparked by back-to-back aces from Tatum Johnson. Duke cut the deficit to one point, but the Red Raiders answered with a timely 4-1 run to reestablish control. Kenna Jioshvili Ravva and Engler combined for seven of the team’s nine kills in the set, while Aliyah McDonald controlled the net with blocks. Texas Tech maintained its edge throughout, winning 25-17 to move ahead 2-1 in the match . Kanouff Seals It in the Fourth The fourth set proved to be the most competitive, featuring 11 ties and three lead changes. Duke battled back to tie the frame late at 26-26, but Texas Tech’s Addie Kanouff took over. She posted 10 kills in the final set alone, hitting at an exceptional .692 clip. Her dominance propelled the Red Raiders to a 28-26 victory, closing out the 3-1 win. Grizzle’s defensive efforts, combined with 20 team digs, ensured that Texas Tech could withstand Duke’s late push . Standout Performers For Texas Tech, Kanouff recorded a career-high 14 kills, highlighted by her fourth-set heroics. Engler continued her consistent start to the season with double-digit kills and her second double-double, adding 12 digs. Jioshvili Ravva chipped in 11 kills, while McDonald anchored the net with seven blocks and contributed three kills. Dunn’s 29 assists balanced the attack, while Grizzle led the back row with 20 digs to go along with six assists . Duke was paced by Williams with 14 kills and Zubchevich with 13. Charlotte Glass added a match-high 30 assists, surpassing 100 for the season in just four matches, while libero Mailinh Godschall posted 21 digs, her third 20-dig performance in the last four contests. Redshirt senior Ngozi Iloh contributed eight kills and surpassed the 200-career mark . By the Numbers Texas Tech finished with a .226 hitting percentage while holding Duke to .141. The Red Raiders produced 51 kills, 58 digs, and 13 total blocks, while Duke tallied 50 kills, 56 digs, and nine blocks. The decisive differences came at the net and in the back row, where Tech’s blocking and defensive coverage disrupted Duke’s rhythm after the opening set . Looking Ahead The victory improved Texas Tech to 3-1 on the season, marking its fourth consecutive win in the all-time series against Duke. The Red Raiders now turn their attention to host team Georgia in the continuation of the Stegeman Coliseum showcase. Duke fell to 1-3 overall and will regroup quickly to face Alabama State next. The Blue Devils showed promise in stretches but were unable to maintain consistency after their strong first-set performance. Continued development from younger players like Zubchevich, alongside leadership from Williams and Iloh, will be crucial moving forward . Final Takeaway Texas Tech’s 3-1 victory over Duke showcased resilience and adaptability. After being dominated in the first set, the Red Raiders flipped the match with improved blocking, stronger back-row play, and timely hitting from Kanouff and Engler. For Duke, the result was another reminder of the challenges of finishing matches, even after a strong start. The 14-25, 25-10, 25-17, 28-26 scoreline reflected a battle of momentum, with Texas Tech ultimately seizing the key points and leaving Athens with a confidence-boosting win .

Yellow Jackets Earn First Ranked Win of the Season No. 23 Georgia Tech opened its first road trip of 2025 with an impressive performance, defeating No. 17 Purdue 3-1 at Holloway Gymnasium in the Stacey Clark Classic. The Yellow Jackets took the match with set scores of 25-21, 25-22, 20-25, and 25-17 . The victory pushed Georgia Tech to 4-0 on the season while handing Purdue its first loss. It also marked the Jackets’ first ranked win of the year and their highest-ranked victory since sweeping No. 13 Florida in 2024 . Mendes Leads the Offense Preseason All-ACC standout Larissa Mendes paced Georgia Tech with 17 kills, a .593 hitting percentage, and two blocks. Her performance was her best of the season and the most kills she has recorded in a single match since notching 21 against BYU last year . Mendes was joined by Ital Lopuyo, who posted a career-high 12 kills on 22 swings, hitting .500. Lopuyo’s efficiency gave Tech a second reliable option on the right side, helping the Jackets keep Purdue’s blockers off balance . Balanced Support Across the Court The Yellow Jackets benefited from steady contributions in both setting and defense. Sofia Velez anchored the back row with 20 digs, marking the 109th time in her career she has tallied double-digit digs. Mimi Mambu added her fourth straight match with 10 or more digs, providing consistency in serve receive and long rallies . At setter, Heloise Soares directed the offense with 25 assists while freshman Sara Toth added 19, a career high. Toth also posted a .432 set percentage, the best mark for a Georgia Tech setter this season. Defensively, DeAndra Pierce added two solo blocks, and Soares contributed one, giving Tech its highest solo block total of the season so far . Purdue’s Standouts Despite the loss, Purdue had several standout performances. Kenna Wollard recorded a career-high 24 kills on a .321 hitting percentage, while Grace Heaney notched her first career double-double with 13 kills and 13 digs. Taylor Anderson dished out 49 assists, her best mark of the season, while Dior Charles led the blocking effort with five of the Boilermakers’ nine total blocks . Purdue stayed competitive throughout, leading to 21 ties and 10 lead changes across the match. The Boilermakers also held the efficiency edge in the second and third sets, but Tech’s balance proved too much to overcome . Match Progression Georgia Tech started strong, claiming the opening set 25-21 after capitalizing on late Purdue errors. The Jackets carried that momentum into the second frame, closing out a tight 25-22 win to build a 2-0 advantage. Purdue rallied in the third, riding Wollard’s hot hand to a 25-20 victory that gave the home crowd hope. In the fourth set, however, Georgia Tech’s defense took over. Behind Mendes’ attacking and Velez’s digs, the Jackets dominated 25-17 to seal the match . Program Milestones and Atmosphere The win marked Georgia Tech’s first road victory of the season and improved its all-time record against Purdue to 1-1. It also brought the program’s all-time win total to 898, moving the Yellow Jackets closer to their 900th victory . The match was played in front of Purdue’s largest crowd of the season so far, with 2,415 fans filling Holloway Gymnasium. Despite the road environment, the Jackets displayed poise and composure, dropping only their third set of the season through four matches .  Final Takeaway Georgia Tech’s 3-1 victory over Purdue was a showcase of depth, balance, and efficiency. Mendes reaffirmed her role as the offensive leader, Lopuyo delivered a breakout performance, and Velez provided defensive stability. Purdue’s effort, highlighted by Wollard’s career night, was not enough against the Jackets’ composure in key moments. For Georgia Tech, the win reinforced its top-25 ranking and demonstrated potential for even greater achievements as the season progresses. For Purdue, the result was a reminder of the fine margins in ranked matchups, even as the Boilermakers showed promise moving forward .

A Ranked Clash in Baton Rouge The Pete Maravich Assembly Center hosted an early-season thriller as No. 10 SMU overcame a mid-match deficit to defeat No. 20 Baylor 3-2. The Mustangs prevailed with set scores of 26-24, 26-28, 22-25, 25-21, and 15-13 in a contest that featured momentum swings, long rallies, and standout performances on both sides. The victory improved SMU to 2-0 and extended its edge in the all-time series with Baylor, now 7-6. For head coach Sam Erger, the result marked her ninth win over a ranked opponent and her third straight triumph over the Bears. Jones, Livings, and Carlson Steer the Mustangs SMU’s success revolved around its reliable trio of Malaya Jones, Jadyn Livings, and Averi Carlson. Jones powered the attack with 24 kills while also adding 16 digs and four blocks. Livings contributed a career-best 21 kills with 12 digs and four blocks, consistently providing answers when Baylor surged. Carlson orchestrated the offense with 53 assists, chipped in 14 digs, and tallied a career-high five blocks. Together, the trio carried much of SMU’s production, and all three registered double-doubles, the first time that had happened in a single match for the program. SMU closed the match with a .271 hitting percentage and dominated at the net with 19 total blocks. Favor Anyanwu and Natalia Newsome chipped in with eight blocks each, while libero Jordyn Schilling anchored the defense in the back row. Baylor Pushes SMU to the Limit Baylor showed resilience in nearly every set. Setter Harley Kreck finished with a career-high 28 assists, while outside hitter MJ McCurdy recorded 16 kills for the second consecutive match. The Bears excelled from the service line, outpacing SMU with nine aces compared to the Mustangs’ five, led by Tehani Ulufatu and Victoria Davis. On defense, Bri Denney collected 29 digs to lead all players, and freshman Morgan Madison impressed again with 26 digs after notching 12 the previous night. Despite finishing with more kills, digs, and service aces, Baylor’s inability to match SMU’s blocking presence proved costly. The Mustangs’ 19-10 advantage at the net disrupted the Bears’ rhythm and stalled momentum during crucial stretches. The Flow of the Match The opening set established the tone with 12 ties and seven lead changes. Baylor appeared to be in control at 21-19 before SMU stormed back with a late push, sealing the set 26-24. The Bears answered in the second, rallying from multiple deficits to pull out a 28-26 win. In the third, Baylor built an early cushion and maintained it throughout, closing out a 25-22 victory to go ahead 2-1 overall. SMU, facing elimination, responded in the fourth. A decisive 5-0 run midway through the frame gave the Mustangs control, and they rode that surge to a 25-21 win that leveled the match. The deciding set was a thriller, featuring nine ties and three lead changes. Deadlocked at 10-10, Jones and Livings delivered the key points down the stretch, pushing SMU to a 15-13 victory and securing the match. By the Numbers SMU closed with a .271 hitting percentage, while Baylor finished at .219. The Mustangs controlled the net with 19 blocks compared to Baylor’s 10, but the Bears held the edge from the service line, producing nine aces to SMU’s five. Total points underscored how tight the contest was, with SMU tallying 89 to Baylor’s 88. Over the five sets, the match included 25 ties and 12 lead changes, reflecting just how even the battle was throughout the night. What’s Next for Both Teams For SMU, the win validated its preseason top-10 ranking and highlighted the strength of its core players. With Jones and Livings powering the attack and Carlson directing the offense, the Mustangs appear well-positioned ahead of their home opener against No. 21 Washington. Baylor dropped to 1-1 but displayed enough promise to remain optimistic. McCurdy’s consistency on offense and Denney’s leadership in the back row provide stability. Despite the setback, Baylor showed it can push elite opponents deep into matches, which should serve them well during the Big 12 schedule.  Final Takeaway SMU’s 3-2 victory over Baylor was a battle of endurance and execution. The Bears impressed with their serving and defensive grit, but the Mustangs’ dominance at the net ultimately made the difference. For Baylor, the result highlighted both strengths and areas for growth, while for SMU it reinforced their place among the nation’s elite with another signature win early in the season.

Mustangs Open with a Thriller The No. 10 SMU volleyball team began its 2025 campaign with a nail-biting victory, edging LSU in five sets at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge. The Mustangs prevailed with set scores of 25-20, 20-25, 23-25, 25-16, and 15-12. The matchup was the first of the year for both teams and lived up to its billing, with long rallies, late-set drama, and momentum shifts that kept the 2,072 fans — the seventh-largest crowd in LSU volleyball history — engaged from start to finish. Jones and Wilburn Lead the Charge SMU’s attack was fueled by Malaya Jones , who led the team with 20 kills while hitting .341. She also chipped in eight digs and three blocks, setting the tone for the Mustangs on both ends. Freshman Christa Wilburn had a debut to remember, breaking the program’s rally-scoring era record with seven aces, including the match-clinching point in the decisive fifth set. Her serving runs proved critical in shifting momentum back toward SMU whenever LSU threatened. Setter Averi Carlson kept the offense balanced with 51 assists, while outside hitter Jadyn Livings provided 13 kills, nine digs, and five blocks. In the back row, libero Jordyn Schilling anchored the defense with 23 digs, the most in a season opener since 2023. LSU’s Response Behind Robinson and Washington LSU did not go quietly. Jurnee Robinson delivered a match-high 25 kills with 12 digs and two blocks, marking her 12th career 20-kill double-double. Alongside her, Nia Washington recorded 13 kills, a career-best 18 digs, and two aces. The duo combined for more than half of LSU’s total offense and gave the Mustangs fits at the net. In the middle, Jessica Jones added eight blocks and seven kills, while setters Lauren Brooker (26 assists) and Takyla Brown (24 assists) split duties effectively to keep the Tigers’ attack balanced. The Tigers actually outpaced the Mustangs statistically in several categories, finishing with more kills (60-57), assists (60-57), and digs (60-57). But SMU’s edge in efficiency, particularly from the service line and at the net, ultimately made the difference. Set-by-Set Breakdown Set One (25-20 SMU): A tightly contested frame featured 15 ties and seven lead changes. SMU pulled away late thanks to a pair of kills from Livings and strong blocking from Anyanwu, finishing with a .419 hitting percentage. Set Two (25-20 LSU): The Tigers answered with cleaner execution, posting four blocks to none for SMU. Robinson and Washington combined for nine kills as LSU evened the match. Set Three (25-23 LSU): LSU rallied from a mid-set deficit behind Robinson’s seven kills in the frame. A late 3-0 run sealed the set and gave the Tigers a 2-1 advantage. Set Four (25-16 SMU): Facing elimination, SMU responded with its sharpest hitting of the night at .577. Jones and Livings powered the offense, while the Mustangs’ defense limited LSU to a .069 clip. Set Five (15-12 SMU): LSU jumped ahead early, but Wilburn’s serving sparked a 5-0 run. The Tigers briefly regained the lead at 12-11 before SMU closed with four straight points, capped by Wilburn’s record-setting ace. Key Numbers SMU hitting percentage: .278 LSU hitting percentage: .201 Service aces: SMU 8, LSU 6 Blocks: SMU 11, LSU 8 The Mustangs’ ability to win the serving (8-6) and blocking (11-8) battles highlighted their efficiency, offsetting LSU’s statistical edge in kills, assists, and digs. What It Means Going Forward For SMU, the five-set victory marked its first win in Baton Rouge and improved the Mustangs to 3-2 all-time against LSU. Head coach Lisa Erger also improved her career record at SMU to 74-25, and the team moved to 19-11 in season openers, 3-1 under her leadership. The performance of Jones and Wilburn, coupled with the depth shown across the lineup, suggests that SMU is ready to live up to its top-10 ranking. With a showdown against No. 20 Baylor looming, the Mustangs will look to build on this momentum. For LSU, the narrow loss demonstrated resilience and potential. Robinson’s dominance and Washington’s breakout effort highlight a team capable of competing with elite opponents. While the result stings, the Tigers’ home crowd witnessed a gritty effort that bodes well for the rest of the season. Final Takeaway SMU’s 3-2 win over LSU was a showcase of grit, execution, and clutch performances. In a match defined by long rallies and momentum swings, it was Wilburn’s serving, Jones’ steady attacking, and Schilling’s defensive anchor that gave the Mustangs the edge. For LSU, Robinson and Washington proved they can carry the load against top competition, leaving optimism for what lies ahead in 2025. Both teams left the court battle-tested, but it was SMU that walked away with the season-opening statement victory

Panthers Find Their Stride in Pittsburgh The No. 9 Pitt volleyball team delivered its most complete performance of the young season, sweeping No. 7 Arizona State 3-0 at PPG Paints Arena in the State Farm Volleyball Showcase. With set scores of 25-21, 25-18, and 25-16, the Panthers capped off a strong weekend that also featured a win over No. 25 TCU. After starting the year 0-2 against Nebraska and Florida, Pitt climbed back to .500 with back-to-back victories over ranked opponents. The win was just the second ever for Pitt against Arizona State, following a sweep back in 1989. It also provided momentum for a Panthers team eager to reassert itself after early-season challenges. Balanced Offense Leads the Way Pitt’s attack was steady and efficient, highlighted by Blaire Bayless, who recorded a team-high nine kills on a .292 hitting percentage. Olivia Babcock and Dagmar Mourits chipped in with six kills apiece, while setter Brooke Mosher distributed the ball effectively with 21 assists and added three kills of her own. As a unit, Pitt tallied 32 kills and seven service aces while hitting .226 for the match. The Panthers consistently found answers when Arizona State pressed, using a combination of disciplined setting and timely execution at the net. Defense Dominates at the Net The defining difference came on defense. Pitt limited Arizona State to a .051 hitting percentage and just 31 kills. Middle blocker Bre Kelley anchored the effort with a match-high seven blocks, while also recording her 500th career kill in the third set. The Panthers finished with 14 team blocks, more than triple Arizona State’s total. Bayless also provided five blocks, a career best, while Mosher and Ryla Jones combined to add key stops. Pitt’s ability to control the net disrupted the Sun Devils’ rhythm and forced them into attack errors during pivotal stretches. How the Match Unfolded Arizona State opened the first set strong, building a 5-0 lead that forced Pitt to regroup. The Panthers responded with a 6-1 run fueled by Bayless’ kills and blocks, eventually taking their first lead at 15-14 on a Babcock service ace. The set remained close until Mourits sealed it 25-21 with a decisive kill. The second set again saw the Sun Devils grab an early edge, but Pitt quickly turned the tide. A mid-set 8-1 surge gave the Panthers a 16-8 cushion, and Kelley and Jones closed the frame with a block and kill to secure a 25-18 win. In the third, Arizona State tied the score at 5-5 before Pitt exploded with a 10-1 stretch, sparked by Mosher’s kill and service pressure from Mallorie Meyer. From there, the Panthers never looked back, finishing off the sweep with a 25-16 victory. Key Performances Bayless not only led in kills but set a new personal best with five blocks. Kelley’s seven blocks and milestone kill added to her growing resume, while Mosher showed all-around impact with assists, aces, and defensive presence. Emery Dupes anchored the back row with eight digs, complemented by Babcock with six and contributions from Mosher and Marina Pezelj. For Arizona State, Noemie Glover provided early sparks with multiple kills, but the Sun Devils struggled to maintain offensive efficiency against Pitt’s blocking wall. What’s Next Pitt’s performance across the State Farm Showcase signaled a team settling into rhythm. After difficult opening losses to Nebraska and Florida, the Panthers responded with two ranked wins that reestablished confidence. They now prepare for their home opener against Jacksonville on September 5, followed by a matchup with Pepperdine on September 7. Arizona State, meanwhile, dropped its first match of the season after entering 2-0. The Sun Devils will regroup as they return to conference play, but the loss highlighted areas for improvement against elite blocking teams. Final Takeaway No. 9 Pitt’s sweep of No. 7 Arizona State was a statement of resilience and efficiency. After falling behind early in sets, the Panthers consistently rallied with blocking dominance and timely scoring. Bayless’ leadership, Kelley’s defensive presence, and Mosher’s all-around play combined to overwhelm a top-10 opponent. The 25-21, 25-18, 25-16 victory gave Pitt momentum moving forward, proving that even after a shaky start, the Panthers remain a formidable force in the national volleyball landscape

Hurricanes Break Top-10 Drought For the first time in nearly eight years, Miami defeated a top-10 opponent — and once again it came at the expense of Notre Dame. The No. 10 Hurricanes edged the No. 6 Fighting Irish 27-24 at Hard Rock Stadium, delivering a statement victory to open the 2025 season. The win snapped Miami’s eight-game losing streak against top-10 foes and gave head coach Mario Cristobal a signature triumph to kick off the year. For Notre Dame, the defeat continued a troubling pattern of road losses against the Hurricanes, who have now beaten the Irish seven straight times at home. Miami Strikes Before the Half The first half was evenly matched until the final seconds. Notre Dame answered Miami’s early touchdown with a 7-yard pass from CJ Carr to Micah Gilbert, knotting the score at 7-7. But the Hurricanes responded just before halftime when CJ Daniels pulled in a spectacular one-handed grab in the end zone, giving Miami a 14-7 advantage at the break. That momentum carried into the third quarter as Miami marched 75 yards on its opening drive, capped by a 5-yard touchdown run from Marty Brown. With the lead extended to 21-7, Miami appeared in full control. Notre Dame Rallies Back The Irish fought their way back into the contest. CJ Carr, making his first collegiate start, showed poise under pressure. He connected with Jordan Faison early in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 21-14. After Miami added a field goal to make it 24-14, Carr led another drive featuring a 65-yard strike to Eli Raridon that set up a short rushing score. Notre Dame then converted on defense, forcing a punt to regain possession. Carr capped the comeback effort with a 7-yard keeper into the end zone, tying the game at 24-24 with just over three minutes remaining. Davis Delivers the Winner Miami refused to let the game slip away. Quarterback Carson Beck, making his debut for the Hurricanes, guided the offense 46 yards on 10 plays. With just over a minute left, kicker Carter Davis drilled a 47-yard field goal to put Miami back in front 27-24. Notre Dame had one last chance, starting from its own 25. But the Hurricanes’ defensive front rose to the occasion, sacking Carr on consecutive plays to seal the victory. Key Performances Miami’s offense was balanced throughout the night. Beck threw for 205 yards and two touchdowns, including the highlight-reel grab by Daniels just before halftime. Malachi Toney added a touchdown reception, and Brown’s second-half rushing score gave the Hurricanes breathing room when they needed it most. Miami finished with 324 total yards, narrowly outgaining Notre Dame’s 314. Defensively, Rueben Bain produced one of the game’s most important plays with an interception off a triple deflection in the fourth quarter, halting a Notre Dame drive in Miami territory. For Notre Dame, Carr’s debut was impressive despite the loss. He completed 19 of 30 passes for 221 yards and accounted for three total touchdowns — two through the air and one on the ground. Faison and Gilbert each recorded touchdown grabs, while Raridon led all receivers with 97 yards, highlighted by his late 65-yard reception. On defense, safety Jalen Stroman paced the Irish with nine tackles. What It Means Moving Forward The victory is likely to boost Miami in the national rankings, validating the hype around Cristobal’s rebuilding efforts. With Beck extending the program’s streak of quarterbacks winning their debut starts, the Hurricanes appear positioned to make a run in the ACC. Notre Dame, meanwhile, will face questions about its ability to close out marquee games. The Irish became the fourth preseason top-eight team to lose opening weekend, joining Texas, Clemson, and Alabama. With a challenging schedule ahead that includes Texas A&M in two weeks, the margin for error has already narrowed. Final Takeaway Miami’s 27-24 win over Notre Dame was a showcase of grit, timely execution, and defensive resilience. The Hurricanes ended a long drought against top-10 opponents with a clutch field goal and a defensive stand in the final minute. For Notre Dame, it was a promising debut for CJ Carr but a frustrating end to a winnable game. Both programs remain contenders in the new playoff era, but Miami leaves opening weekend with the momentum, while Notre Dame is left searching for answers.

Tigers vs. Tigers in Primetime In a highly anticipated top-10 matchup to open the 2025 season, No. 9 LSU came from behind to defeat No. 4 Clemson 17-10 at Memorial Stadium. The game, billed as a clash of two high-powered offenses, turned into a defensive battle where LSU’s adjustments and resilience proved decisive. The win marked LSU’s first season-opening victory since 2019 and handed head coach Brian Kelly his first opening triumph with the program. For Clemson, the result was a third consecutive season-opening loss, adding to a concerning trend against SEC opponents. Clemson’s Early Control Clemson struck first on a field goal set up by a turnover deep in LSU territory. The home team extended its advantage later in the first half with a 13-play drive capped by a 1-yard rushing touchdown from Adam Randall. Clemson’s defense also forced two fumbles, including one in the red zone just before halftime, preserving a 10-3 lead at the break. At that point, Clemson appeared firmly in control. Cade Klubnik moved the offense with short passing plays, and the defense kept LSU’s receivers contained. The crowd of over 81,000 roared as the home team looked ready to seal a signature victory early in the season. LSU Flips the Script in the Second Half Momentum shifted in the third quarter when Clemson’s normally reliable kicker Nolan Hauser missed a 48-yard attempt. LSU capitalized on the opening, as quarterback Garrett Nussmeier began finding rhythm in the passing game. After several sharp completions to Aaron Anderson, LSU tied the game on a short touchdown run from Caden Durham. Later, early in the fourth quarter, Nussmeier connected with Trey’Dez Green for an 8-yard touchdown pass in the corner of the end zone. That score gave LSU its first lead of the night, 17-10, with just over 12 minutes to play. Defensive Dominance by LSU While the offense provided the comeback spark, LSU’s defense was the true difference. The Tigers from Baton Rouge limited Clemson to just 31 rushing yards on 20 attempts , completely shutting down the ground game. That forced Klubnik to shoulder the offensive load, and while he threw for 230 yards, he completed fewer than 50 percent of his passes and was pressured throughout. LSU’s defensive front disrupted rhythm by collapsing the pocket and forcing hurried throws. The unit also created predictable situations by stuffing early-down runs, which allowed LSU’s secondary to lock in on receivers in passing downs. Clemson’s final possession ended when Klubnik, flushed from the pocket on fourth-and-4, was forced to throw incomplete under duress. Missed Opportunities Hurt Clemson Clemson had its chances late. Twice in the fourth quarter, the defense gave the offense the ball back with opportunities to tie. The first drive ended in a quick three-and-out, while the second advanced inside the LSU 20 before stalling. On both occasions, Clemson’s offensive line struggled to handle LSU’s pass rush, leaving Klubnik without enough time to find his receivers. The loss was compounded by the early injury to star wideout Antonio Williams, who exited in the first quarter and did not return. While Clemson has depth at receiver, his absence reduced options for Klubnik against LSU’s improving secondary. Key Performances LSU: Garrett Nussmeier threw for 230 yards and a touchdown, with 134 yards coming in the second half. Durham rushed for 74 yards and a score, while Green’s touchdown reception provided the winning margin. Clemson: Cade Klubnik totaled 230 passing yards but added one interception. Adam Randall scored the team’s lone touchdown, and Bryant Wesco contributed multiple big plays in the passing game. Implications for Both Teams For LSU, the victory was a statement that the Tigers’ retooled roster, bolstered by transfers, can contend immediately. The defense’s ability to shut down a high-profile quarterback and force Clemson into one-dimensional play demonstrated the toughness head coach Brian Kelly emphasized in the offseason. For Clemson, the setback was a reminder of lingering issues in big games. The Tigers fell to 0-3 in their last three season openers and 0-7 against ranked SEC teams since 2019. Still, with an ACC schedule ahead and the expanded College Football Playoff offering multiple paths, their championship hopes remain alive if adjustments are made. Final Takeaway What was expected to be a high-scoring duel between two talented quarterbacks instead became a test of discipline and defense. LSU passed that test, rallying from a halftime deficit and shutting down Clemson’s offense in the second half. The 17-10 win lifted LSU to 1-0 and gave them momentum heading into their home opener against Louisiana Tech. Clemson, now 0-1, will regroup at home against Troy, but the Tigers from South Carolina must address their offensive line and rushing attack if they hope to stay in the playoff conversation.