#9 LSU vs. #4 Clemson: Fall has arrived, the windows are down, and college football is back. The Battle for the Valley is set, as #9 LSU and #4 Clemson prepare to face off in a matchup that has been circled on calendars for months. Both teams are loaded with talent, explosive offenses, and quarterbacks who could define their seasons.
Week One sets the tone for the entire year, and this game is no exception. From Heisman hopeful Garrett Nussmeier leading LSU to Cade Klubnik and Clemson’s top-tier offense, this matchup promises drama, excitement, and a true test of skill and strategy on both sides.
Check out the latest odds at the best online sportsbooks. Plus, it’s not too late to add more futures to your portfolio so take some time to check out our Power Four Conference Previews below.
Write Up Transparency
Be sure to follow me on X/Twitter @ColbyMBets to get my full card every day! Picks are always FREE.
Last Year: +13.32 units
Overall CFB Record Since 2022: 174-162-4 (+13.62u)
#9 LSU vs. #4 Clemson Betting Odds
Get in the Nuss Bus! We are on the LSU Tigers!
Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, one of our favorite online sportsbooks, as of August 19, 2025 at 12:21 p.m. eastern. Sign up today with Promo Code FREE250 for a 50% deposit bonus up to $250 as well as 100 Free Spins at the online casino.
Spread
- LSU +4 (-110)
- Clemson -4 (-110)
Moneyline
- LSU +157
- Clemson -180
Total
- Over 57.5 (-110)
- Under 57.5 (-110)
#9 LSU vs. #4 Clemson – August 30
The windows are down, and a crisp breeze rolls in as you slowly sip the rest of your morning coffee. Kirk Herbstreit and the crew are on your television. Fall has officially arrived, and no matter where you are, you can feel the college football energy in the air. Sure, the season opens with Texas versus Ohio State, but for me, it is all about the Tigers versus the Tigers—Death Valley versus Death Valley. The Battle for the Valley, as the kids are calling it (I am the kids).
I have had this matchup circled since the middle of June. I am very high on this LSU team this season, while I am never high on any team Dabo Swinney coaches when “Michael Jordan,” Deshaun Watson, and “Football Jesus,” Trevor Lawrence, are not the face of his program. I have a small amount of respect for the old ball coach, and I will get into that later.
Go Tigers! Which Ones…?
However, I am all over the LSU Tigers in Week One of the college football season. I fully expect this line to dance all week long as more people get involved. The highest this line reached was 4.5. I have an LSU +4.5 ticket. Personally, I would take it down to 3.5, but after that, take their moneyline. I expect this game to stay close, and if the LSU Tigers lose, it will be by a field goal. I believe they will come out victorious.
Led by fifth-year senior and Heisman hopeful Garrett Nussmeier, the Tigers are in great hands. The 6’1″ quarterback threw for over 4,000 yards last season, completed 64 percent of his passes, and threw for 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He was amazing in 2024, and I anticipate an even bigger showing in 2025. Especially, with the added talent to the skilled positions.
Brain Kelly vs. Dabo Swinney
This will also be year Four under Brian Kelly, who may be coaching on one of the hottest seats in the country. If he cannot lead this team to the College Football Playoff, he may not make it through the season. Kelly went all in this offseason, landing the number one transfer portal class in the nation alongside a top-10 2025 signing class.
Many want to praise Dabo for finally testing the portal, but Kelly did far more damage. Dabo stepped out of his comfort zone, while Kelly scooped up nearly every top-tier player available.
Clemson is led by Heisman hopeful Cade Klubnik, who will be protected by a top-ranked offensive line and a highly regarded receiving corps. This offense is going to be dangerous this season. LSU’s defense will need to step up big time in this matchup. An area that has been lingering with issues for years now. The Tigers lost a lot on the defensive line, but they hammered the portal and brought in a veteran group that should be able to hold down an offense like Clemson’s.
Nussmeier > Klubnik
With how talented and explosive both offenses can be, I do not see this being a blowout. I would rather back a Nussmeier-led offense than a Klubnik-led offense. Last season, Klubnik had ups and downs, but he has yet to win a big game against a real opponent. With that, I will be all over any amount of points the LSU Tigers are receiving, and I will happily join the bandwagon that wants Coach Kelly’s chair to slowly start to cool down.
At the end of the day, this is what makes college football special—big matchups, star quarterbacks, and high stakes from the very first week. LSU has the talent, the leadership, and the momentum to make a statement on the road in Death Valley, and I fully expect them to prove it on the field. Buckle up, because Week One is about to deliver fireworks, and I will be rooting for the Tigers of LSU.
Geaux Tigahs! *Coach O voice*
Best Bet: LSU +4 (-110) odds via BetOnline
Interested in More Content?
Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly
Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER
Follow me on X @ColbyMBets for all my picks and sports opinions. Follow Betting News on ‘X’ and Twitch and catch us on stream! Betting News is also on TikTok! Follow us for more picks and news every day!
In need of a sportsbook? Check out one of our favorites below among our best online sportsbooks and sign-up for a bonus!
