It's Saturday night in Death Valley between LSU and Clemson, but which Death Valley? The one LSU plays in, as Lane Kiffin's Tigers welcome Dabo Swinney's Tigers for the second leg of the Death Valley series on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC).
After LSU beat Clemson in its own Death Valley to open last season, Kiffin's program is a 10.5-point favorite at home, but my Clemson vs. LSU prediction and college football picks expect a defensive battle to keep scoring low.
TOP PICK
Clemson vs LSU prediction: Under 50.5
Lane Kiffin is doing what he does best, making headlines, and while LSU is attempting to add cut NFL players to its roster (and getting sued by the SEC in the process), the Tigers have enough newness.
Kiffin's projected two-deep is expected to feature 28 players that are new to the program, including the starting QB, the lead running back, and the top six wide receivers. That lack of continuity could lead to a slow start on offense against a Clemson defense projected to rank 16th by SP+ and led by several potential first-round picks.
Clemson will have even more trouble scoring with Christopher Vizzina making his first career start under new coordinator Chad Morris against a defense that's projected to rank No. 2 by SP+.
The way these two match up, I like the Under at any number above 46.5.
COVERS INTEL: Both of these offenses ranked outside the Top 90 in EPA per rush and third/fourth down success last season.
Clemson vs LSU combo
Although LSU is one of the college football national championship odds favorites, the Tigers have plenty of Kiffin-related distractions heading into this game. They also have a starting QB coming off a season-ending injury and playing with a whole new group of receivers.
If Sam Leavitt, who had more turnover-worthy plays (12) than TD passes (10) last season, gets off to a slow start, Clemson will be in this game. Dabo Swinney's team has a projected first-round pick at every level of its defense (Will Heldt, Sammy Brown, Ashton Hampton), and the offense has one of the top wide receiver duos in the country (Bryant Wesco Jr., T.J. Moore).
However, I have LSU winning 27-17, so if this spread moves much, I would shy away from taking Clemson to cover.
Clemson vs LSU combo
- Under 50.5
- Clemson +10.5
Clemson vs LSU odds
- Spread: Clemson +10.5 | LSU -10.5
- Over/Under: Over 50.5 (47%) | Under 50.5 (53%)
- Moneyline: Clemson 23% | LSU 77%
More Covers college football betting tools
- College football picks
- College football odds
- National Championship odds
- Heisman Trophy odds
Clemson vs LSU weather
Though rain is expected leading up to kickoff, the weather on Saturday night in Baton Rouge is expected to be clear and have no impact on the game.
Clemson vs LSU trend to know
The Under is 5-0 in Clemson's last five non-conference games. Find more college football betting trends for Clemson vs. LSU.
How to watch Clemson vs LSU
| Location | Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA |
| Date | Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ABC |