LSU Football vs. Clemson Tigers Start Time and TV Information Revealed for Week 1

Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers continue navigating a critical offseason in Baton Rouge with the program preparing for the 2025 season.

After retooling the roster by signing the No. 1 Transfer Portal Class in America, the Bayou Bengals have brought in multiple immediate impact pieces.

But there are also critical returning players making their way back to the Bayou State for the 2025 season.

That includes quarterback Garrett Nussmeier back in the fold.

After a productive first season as the starting signal-caller in 2024, all eyes will be on Nussmeier to take that next step in Baton Rouge this upcoming fall.

He will look to develop across the next few months after piecing together a 2024 campaign where he totaled 3,738 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 12 games played.

“This offseason, he’s been able to be a little bit different because now he’s going back and when he’s studying, he’s not just studying his practice tape or maybe our tape and what could happen. He’s looking at specifically some stuff that he needs to improve on,” LSU offensive coordinator Joe Sloan said during Spring Camp.

“He’s been really intentional. I think really some of our staff did a great job of breaking some different things down for him so he could really see some individual things and he could take back control of those situations.”

Now, with focus shifting towards Week 1 at Clemson, the start time and television information has between revealed. The Action Network’s Brett McMurphy reported it first.

Saturday, Aug. 30
Syracuse vs. Tennessee — 12:00 p.m. ET, ABC | Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
Alabama at Florida State — 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC | Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida
LSU at Clemson — 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC | Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina

Sunday, Aug. 31
South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech — 3:00 p.m. ET, ABC | Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

LSU and Clemson will square off in Week 1 with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET in Memorial Stadium.

All eyes will be on the pair of programs that will likely be sitting in the Top-10 of the AP Top-25 Poll.

The college football landscape kicks off its much-anticipated 2023 season with a marquee showdown that has fans buzzing across the nation: LSU Tigers versus Clemson Tigers. Scheduled for Saturday, September 2nd, this Week 1 clash promises to be a thrilling, high-stakes contest that could set the tone for both programs’ seasons and even influence playoff considerations. With the kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time, the game will be broadcast nationally on ABC, ensuring millions of fans will tune in to witness this premier matchup. In this article, we delve into the details surrounding this game—its significance, team profiles, historical context, key players to watch, and what it means for college football’s opening weekend.

### The Schedule and Broadcast Details

**Start Time:** Saturday, September 2nd, 7:30 p.m. ET
**TV Network:** ABC
**Location:** Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

This prime-time slot underscores the game’s importance, attracting viewers from across the country. The game being held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans adds an element of neutral-site excitement, although both teams have strong regional followings and histories tied to the South.

### Significance of the Matchup

This game is more than just a season opener; it’s a clash of two national powerhouse programs with rich football histories, multiple national championships, and a reputation for producing NFL talent. It’s a rare non-conference meeting at the start of the season that carries implications beyond just the first week—potentially impacting playoff rankings, national perception, and team morale.

**Why is this game so significant?**

– **Early Season Statement:** Both teams will be eager to establish dominance early, signaling their championship ambitions.

– **Strength of Schedule:** A victory could provide a crucial boost in the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings, especially given the strength of LSU and Clemson’s rosters.

– **Recruiting and Media Spotlight:** High-profile games attract national attention, benefiting both programs’ visibility and recruiting efforts.

– **Historical Context:** It’s a rare intersection of two of the sport’s most successful programs, adding historical weight to the contest.

### Historical Context and Series Overview

While LSU and Clemson have not faced each other frequently, their programs boast impressive histories and recent successes:

– **LSU Tigers:** Under head coach Brian Kelly, LSU aims to build on its 2022 national championship, where they defeated Clemson’s ACC rival, Clemson, in the College Football Playoff semifinals. LSU’s recent resurgence has made them a national title contender once again, characterized by a potent offense and a stout defense.

– **Clemson Tigers:** Led by head coach Dabo Swinney, Clemson has been synonymous with excellence over the past decade, winning two national championships (2016, 2018) and consistently competing at a high level. Despite some recent challenges, Clemson remains a formidable opponent with a talented roster and a reputation for disciplined, innovative football.

The two programs have yet to meet on the gridiron in the 21st century, making this game a fresh and exciting chapter in their histories. The last significant encounter was in the 2019 College Football Playoff, where Clemson defeated Alabama for the national title, further cementing their status as a powerhouse.

### Key Players to Watch

**LSU Tigers:**

– **Jaden Daniels (QB):** The graduate transfer from Arizona State has been a revelation for LSU, showcasing his dual-threat ability, arm strength, and leadership. His performance will be crucial in orchestrating LSU’s offense against Clemson’s disciplined defense.

– **Harold Perkins Jr. (LB):** A rising star, Perkins is known for his pass-rushing prowess, sideline-to-sideline speed, and knack for making game-changing plays. His ability to pressure Clemson’s quarterback could be a game-defining factor.

– **Malik Nabers (WR):** One of LSU’s top receiving targets, Nabers’ speed and route-running skills offer Daniels a reliable weapon in the passing game.

**Clemson Tigers:**

– **Cade Klubnik (QB):** The sophomore quarterback is expected to be Clemson’s leader this season, with a mix of mobility, arm talent, and poise. His performance will be under scrutiny as he replaces Clemson legend DJ Uiagalelei.

– **Myles Murphy (DE):** A dominant pass-rusher projected to be an early NFL Draft pick, Murphy’s ability to pressure Daniels and contain LSU’s offense will be pivotal.

– **Kendra Miller (RB):** Clemson’s dynamic running back, if healthy, can provide a balanced attack and take some pressure off Klubnik.

### Strategic Matchups and Predictions

**Offensive vs. Defensive Battles:**

– LSU’s offense, led by Daniels, is known for its versatility and explosiveness. Clemson’s defense, anchored by Murphy and a talented secondary, will aim to contain LSU’s passing attack and force turnovers.

– Clemson’s offense, under Klubnik, will look to exploit LSU’s secondary and establish a ground game with Miller. LSU’s front-seven will need to control the line of scrimmage to prevent Clemson’s offense from gaining momentum.

**Special Teams and Turnovers:**

– Special teams could play a decisive role, as field position and kicking accuracy often dictate outcomes in close games.

– Turnover margin will be critical; forcing mistakes and capitalizing on errors could swing the game in either direction.

– A victory would reinforce their reputation as title contenders and demonstrate the resiliency of their program following some recent challenges.

– It would also boost their CFP resume early in the season.

**For College Football:**

– This game exemplifies the high level of competition and talent present in the sport, setting the stage for an exciting season.

– It could influence playoff selections, especially if both teams perform well throughout the year.

### Fan Engagement and Viewing Experience

With the game scheduled at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC, millions of viewers will have the opportunity to watch this game live. Fans are encouraged to tune in early for pre-game coverage, which will feature analysis, player interviews, and insights from college football experts.

The game’s location in New Orleans offers a festive atmosphere, with tailgating, fan events, and a vibrant city setting that adds to the excitement. Due to the neutral-site nature, both LSU and Clemson fans will have opportunities to support their teams in a lively, packed environment.

### Conclusion: An Opening Weekend Clash for the Ages

The LSU versus Clemson Week 1 matchup is set to be one of the most thrilling and consequential games of the college football season. With a start time of 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC, fans nationwide will be glued to their screens, witnessing the beginning of what promises to be a compelling season filled with exciting matchups, emerging stars, and playoff battles.

This game not only offers a chance for each team to make a statement early but also embodies the spirit of college football—passion, competition, and tradition. Whether LSU’s high-octane offense or Clemson’s disciplined defense comes out on top, one thing is certain: this game will be remembered as a classic opening-week showdown that kickstarts the 2023 college football campaign with intensity and excitement.