Lane Kiffin’s first offensive possession as LSU head coach clearly did not go as planned.
LSU had the first crack at scoring Saturday in Kiffin’s debut against Clemson at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La. The drive started harmlessly enough with an 8-yard pass completed by LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt.
The next play was not as harmless for LSU. Leavitt tried to hit wide receiver Malik Elzy right at the first-down line. But the pass went behind Elzy, who let the ball slip through his fingers. It fell right into the hands of Clemson cornerback Ashton Hampton for an easy interception.
On the first drive of the Lane Kiffin era…
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 6, 2026
CLEMSON FORCES THE TURNOVER pic.twitter.com/GpFnUcQRsr
Kiffin and his crew did not let the turnover impact the team for the rest of the quarter. Following a field goal from Clemson on their next possession, LSU scored 17 unanswered points to take a 17-3 lead into the second quarter.
LSU’s scoring barrage was also aided by an interception that resulted in a house call for defensive end Jordan Ross.
PICK-SIX IN DEATH VALLEY‼️
— ESPN (@espn) September 6, 2026
LSU HAS SCORED 17 UNANSWERED POINTS VS. CLEMSON 😳 pic.twitter.com/zT9tllZ4T2
It was quite the roller coaster of emotions for LSU fans to begin the Lane Kiffin era.














