LSU's Kelly sets 'singular goal' of beating Clemson in opener

LSU head coach Brian Kelly wants the Tigers to emphasize kicking off their campaign with a win after dropping five consecutive season openers, including their first three under Kelly.

The team lost last year's back-and-forth opener against USC. Kelly's club also lost season openers to Florida State in 2022 and 2023. The last time the Tigers won their first game was 2019, when they went 15-0 and then captured the national championship. Kelly is focusing the team's attention on defeating its first opponent, Clemson.

"It's a tangible goal for us," Kelly said Monday, according to ESPN's David Hale. "I've never set a goal before for a singular team. This is a singular goal. This is a goal we've placed on our program. The players know that. It's a difficult goal, but it's in front of them and they've got a clock running. They're getting ready to go meet that goal."

LSU features a talented roster that that includes quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and edge rusher Harold Perkins Jr.

"With the team that (we have) this year, it's unacceptable for us not to play our very best in Game 1," Kelly said.

Nussmeier said the team is buying in.

"It's become our motto and our mindset every single day," Nussmeier said. "Being 1-0 in everything you do, whether it's taking your supplements or being on time to tutoring or whatever it is. It's been a huge change for us. It's a reminder of, 'If you don't want to do the little things right, I bet they will.'"

Clemson represents a stiff test for LSU. The reigning ACC champion returns an experienced roster led by projected first-round selections in quarterback Cade Klubnik, defensive lineman Peter Woods, and defensive end T.J. Parker.

LSU will visit Clemson on Aug. 30.