Winners, Losers from LSU Tigers’ Win over Clemson Tigers

September 6, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers found themselves in a very unfamiliar position heading into Saturday night. A majority of the college football world was rooting for Clemson, hoping they’d stun the LSU Tigers and humble Lane Kiffin at Death Valley on a national stage. The villain of college football embraced its role.

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LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt threw an interception on the second play of the game, effectively gifting Clemson 3 points thanks to a short field. That would be all she wrote for Swinney’s program in a one-sided thrashing.

Let’s dive into our winners and losers from Clemson vs LSU.

Winner: Dilin Jones, RB, LSU Tigers

Running back Dilin Jones 13 LSU Football practice. August 18, 2026.

Call it transfer portal night for LSU. Dilin Jones, who had just 388 rushing yards on 92 carries in two seasons at Wisconsin, finally got his chance to shine on Saturday night. He put up 91 rushing yards alone in the first half, blowing past his previous career-high in a full game. We’re not ready to say that Jones is special, but it’s clear that Kiffin has found another running back who can thrive in his system.

Loser: Dabo Swinney, Clemson Tigers HC

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney encourages his players stretching during practice in the at the Allen N. Reeves Sports Complex in Clemson, S.C. Thursday, August 6, 2026.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. It’s felt a bit like ever since college football players started getting paid (publicly) and gained more agency, Dabo Swinney’s team has fallen off. No one really expected the Clemson Tigers to win on Sunday night, but they at least could’ve looked somewhat competitive after going just 7-6 last season. Instead, it truly feels like Clemson is destined to win fewer than eight games for the second consecutive season and Swinney still won’t change his ways. He’s becoming the dinosaur of college football.

Winner: Blake Baker, LSU Tigers Defensive Coordinator

Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports

There’s certainly a great case to be made for putting Lane Kiffin in this spot. However, LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker was the real coaching standout on Saturday night. In the first half, the Tigers defense limited Clemson to 54 total yards on eight drives without a single third-down conversion on 8 attempts. The 3 points Clemson put up? Those came on a drive that started at LSU’s 33-yard line and ended on the 31-yard line. We will give kudos to Kiffin for ensuring that LSU made Baker an offer this offseason that influenced his decision to turn down head-coaching opportunities. He’ll only be around for 2026, but he’s one of the big reasons why LSU will be a treat to watch throughout the fall.

Loser: Cristopher Vizzina, QB, Clemson Tigers

Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) passes during practice in the at the Allen N. Reeves Sports Complex in Clemson, S.C. Friday, August 7, 2026.

Well that was a quick hook. Clemson named Christopher Vizzina its starting quarterback just days ago, entrusting him to bring a bit of stability in Death Valley. Evidently, Swinney didn’t have that much real faith in his quarterback. After a pick-six and just 51 passing yards on 11 attempts, Vizzina was benched late in the second quarter and replaced by freshman Tait Reynolds. It’s always an…interesting sign about where an offense and coaching staff are at when the starting quarterback is pulled just two quarters into the season. Keep Clemson fans in your thoughts, it could be a rough year.

Winner: Sam Leavitt, QB, LSU Tigers

Quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) during LSU football practice on Aug. 18, 2026.

That is why you make Sam Leavitt one of the highest-paid college football players in 2026. He made a poor throw to start the game, resulting in an interception that handed 3 points to Clemson. It also seemed like he felt a bit of the pressure early of being the new face of a football team that has a fan base expecting their quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy and lead this team on a deep College Football Playoff run.

So, amid a shaky start with his arm, Leavitt showcased how dangerous he can be with his legs. He put up 100 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns in the first half, using his body like a battering ram when the opportunity arose. That is how you not only find the end zone and pick up first downs, but also win over the hearts and respect of your teammates and fan base. The passing clinics are coming, too.

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