LSU Coach Brian Kelly Labels Clemson Stadium Death Valley Jr. Ahead Season Opener

LSU head coach Brian Kelly has intensified the rivalry with Clemson ahead of their Week 1 football matchup by referring to Clemson's Memorial Stadium as "Death Valley Jr.", asserting that LSU's Tiger Stadium is the true "Death Valley." Kelly has used this narrative as motivation for his team, with Clemson's logo prominently displayed at LSU's facilities, and stressed the need for discipline and great habits when playing on the road. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney responded calmly, emphasizing focus on execution over verbal sparring, while players acknowledged the comments but remain focused on the game. Both teams have quarterbacks with Heisman Trophy aspirations and are eager to break losing streaks in season openers; LSU has not won a season opener under Kelly, while Clemson is also seeking an early-season victory. Despite Kelly's confident remarks about LSU's roster strength, Clemson enters the game as a slight favorite, with both programs highly ranked and the matchup highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.