At halftime, Clemson is ahead of LSU by a score of 10-3 in the battle between the Tigers. Below is an analysis of the play so far from the opening frame:
Offense:
— Quarterback Cade Klubnik started the game off slowly but came into his own during the second quarter. The senior completed six of his 12 passes for 91 yards, using his legs to get out of trouble several times throughout the half.
— Head coach Dabo Swinney said we would see every running back available this week, and we’ve seen all four in the backfield. However, the room has only totaled 20 yards on 15 attempts — something to build on entering the second half.
— Clemson converted two fourth downs en route to its opening touchdown of the season. The team used a 13-play, 75-yard scoring drive that lasted over six minutes to find the end zone. Running back Adam Randall punched in the score on a fourth down to give the Tigers their halftime lead.
— Standout receiver Antonio Williams has been sidelined for the majority of the half with a left hamstring injury. He went into the locker room in the first quarter, but went back to the team bench and was on the exercise bike. He hasn’t been back on the field since the first drive.
Defense:
— Under new defensive coordinator Tom Allen, the Tigers were able to nab a turnover in the team’s second drive on defense. Cornerback Avieon Terrell stripped the ball from tight end Bauer Sharp and Ricardo Jones recovered the fumble.
— Clemson recorded another takeaway on LSU’s final drive of the half. This time, safety Ronan Hanafin jarred the ball loose and Kylon Griffin recovered it. The Tigers are winning the turnover margin — something that has been critical for previous teams in years past.
— Transfer defensive end Will Heldt recorded his first sack as a Clemson Tiger, sacking LSU signal caller Garrett Nussmeier for a loss of 12 yards. It is the only sack for the team in the half.
— Allen’s defense is showing intensity on third down. LSU has only converted one of its five third-down conversions, forcing two punts and two turnovers. If the defense can continue to make pivotal stops down the stretch, it will significantly improve its chances of winning.
