Clemson offense struggles in loss to No. 9 LSU as defense shines

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said his team learned plenty from its 17-10 season opening loss to No. 9 LSU on Saturday night, a result that left the Tigers searching for offensive answers before Saturday's home tune-up against Troy. In a Sunday film review and later teleconference, Swinney praised Clemson's defensive effort but acknowledged the offense did not execute, while quarterback Cade Klubnik accepted responsibility for a below‑par performance.

Swinney said the defense played "like a Clemson defense was supposed to look," holding LSU to 17 points and limiting the Tigers of the Bayou to just 2.8 yards per carry late in the game. He added the defense made timely stops in the fourth quarter but the offense failed to convert on several critical opportunities, including red zone trips that produced field goals instead of touchdowns. "We just have to finish on the ball better," Swinney said.

Statistical accounts varied slightly between reports, but Clemson totaled roughly 261 yards while LSU finished with about 354. Klubnik was credited with 230 passing yards and an interception; media accounts differed on his completion numbers, listing between 19 and 23 completions on roughly 37...