LSU Turns Early Mistake Into 17-3 Lead Over Clemson
LSU answered an early interception with a touchdown drive, then turned Clemson’s mistake into seven more points as the Tigers took a 17-3 lead after the first quarter
BATON ROUGE, La. — LSU turned an early setback into a two-score advantage Saturday night, scoring twice in the final minutes of the first quarter to lead Clemson 17-3 at Tiger Stadium.
The Tigers’ opening possession ended when quarterback Sam Leavitt was intercepted on a pass intended for wide receiver Malik Elzy. Clemson took over at the LSU 33-yard line but settled for a 49-yard field goal.
LSU answered with a 59-yard drive highlighted by a 21-yard completion from Leavitt to tight end Trey’Dez Green. Scott Starzyk finished the possession with a 49-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3.
The Tigers then put together a 12-play, 89-yard drive that ended with running back Dillin Jones scoring on a 1-yard run. The touchdown gave LSU a 10-3 lead with less than four minutes remaining in the opening quarter.
Clemson’s next possession produced another turning point. Jordan Ross intercepted quarterback Christopher Vizzina and returned the ball 30 yards for a touchdown, extending LSU’s lead to 17-3.
The sequence gave LSU points from both sides of the ball: a sustained offensive drive followed by a defensive touchdown.
The game began after a nearly two-hour weather delay, postponing the start of LSU’s season opener and Kiffin’s first game as the Tigers’ head coach.
LSU entered the game ranked No. 11. The matchup is being played at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge.
LSU moved back into field-goal range early in the second quarter, but Starzyk’s 48-yard attempt sailed wide right, leaving the Tigers’ lead at 14 points.
The game remains in progress. LSU leads Clemson 17-3.
