Brian Kelly’s big bet on the transfer portal gives immediate payoff in LSU Tigers’ Week 1 win at Clemson
The LSU Tigers walked out of Clemson’s Death Valley as the team that proved most of the country wrong. Despite LSU head coach Brian Kelly’s history of struggling in big games, it was his Tigers who were more physical and sharper in execution. While there’s a long season yet to come, LSU’s Week 1 return […]
The LSU Tigers walked out of Clemson’s Death Valley as the team that proved most of the country wrong. Despite LSU head coach Brian Kelly’s history of struggling in big games, it was his Tigers who were more physical and sharper in execution. While there’s a long season yet to come, LSU’s Week 1 return from a roster that was largely built from the transfer portal was massive.
Familiar Tigers like Garrett Nussmeier, Caden Durham, and even Harold Perkins Jr. were great. The unknown of a defense that was pieced together through the portal was a looming factor for this matchup. In review, they defined this game and proved the Tigers are National Championship-worthy.
We don’t need advanced stats and grading to prove the premise, as we all watched the game. However, they do reinforce just how effective several of the seven new additions played. In fact, four of PFF’s top five LSU defensive grades were from the portal: Mansoor Delane, Patrick Payton, Bernard Gooden, and A.J. Haulcy.
Delane paired with five-star freshman DJ Pickett and sophomore PJ Woodland for an excellent display from the cornerbacks. Delane allowed only one reception on eight targets for 21 yards. Pickett didn’t give up a completion, and Woodland gave up only 37 yards on three catches.
Haulcy, a safety added from Houston, split time between the slot and free safety spots, and was one of the team’s best tacklers. Payton and Gooden dominated the Clemson offensive line, opening opportunities for Perkins and Whit Weeks to rush through open lanes.
The 17-10 victory set the expectation for what LSU can accomplish this season. The passing game was efficient despite going up against two elite defensive linemen. The defense withstood an up-and-coming offense that appeared title-worthy. That’s a massive statement win for Kelly and company as they seek out a College Football Playoff berth.
