After LSU’s 17-10 season-opening win at Clemson, two of college football’s most accomplished coaches offered sharply different explanations on the end result.
Dabo Swinney downplayed LSU’s performance in his weekly news conference. His Tigers fell four spots in the latest AP poll, but says it's still early in the season.
Swinney likened the game to a “final exam on Day 1,” assigning LSU a 65 and his own team a 58. But that didn't fly too well down in Baton Rouge.
Brian Kelly fired back at Dabo and wanted to know if he needed his vision checked? “I thought we dominated them in the second half,” Kelly said. “So he’s either a really good grader for giving himself a 58, or he’s a really hard grader on us. Or he didn’t see the second half, which might be the case. He might not have wanted to see the second half.”
The win was Kelly first season-opening victory during his tenure at LSU, and the first against a top-5 opponent. After trailing 10-3 at halftime, the Tigers shut out Clemson in the final two quarters, outgaining them 354-261 in total yards and earning 25 first downs to Clemson’s 13. The performance put LSU at No. 3 in the latest AP Poll.
Beyond Kelly return jab at Swinney, he applauded Clemson for their athleticism. “That’s a top-notch team, and they’re going to be in the playoff picture. We hope we are, too. But it was only one game.”
Both coaches will have time to revisit their views. LSU and Clemson are scheduled to meet again in Baton Rouge to open the 2026 season.
MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS:
- Tom Brady helps Shedeur Sanders secure a roster spot in Cleveland
- Was Bill Belichick fired from UNC? Viral social media post dupes Tar Heels fans after embarrassing debut
- Deion Sanders sends clear message to Ryan Clark over Browns treatment of Shedeur
- Miami legend wants nothing to do with Shannon Sharpe: "I’m shocked at his content"
- Josh Allen to make Wyoming football history as first number retired