Lane Kiffin is making his highly-anticipated LSU head coaching debut this Saturday, but one expert who is absolutely crushing it with a 90-68 record on college football ATS picks just revealed a spicy take for Week 1 against Clemson. This isn’t just another game, folks, this is Kiffin’s first crack at leading the 11th-ranked Tigers, and the pressure is already immense. Forget the hype, the numbers are talking, and one seasoned analyst is saying we might not see the offensive fireworks everyone expects.
Kiffin’s New Era Kicks Off Against a Familiar Foe
This Week 1 matchup pits the LSU Tigers, ranked 11th overall, against the Clemson Tigers in what’s shaping up to be a seriously intense opener. For Kiffin, it’s the start of something big, and you know he wants to make a statement right out of the gate. LSU wrapped up 2025 at 7-6 overall, finishing 10th in the tough SEC, while Clemson also landed at 7-6 overall, tied for seventh in the ACC with a 4-4 conference record. History is on LSU’s side here, as they lead the all-time series 4-1, including a tight 17-10 win just last year. That’s gotta be a mental edge, right? Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at the infamous Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Get this: LSU is already pegged as a 10-point favorite in the latest odds, with the over/under for total points sitting at 50.5. It’s a huge spread for Week 1, making Kiffin’s debut even more of a spotlight moment.
The Expert’s Bold Pick: Low Scoring for Kiffin’s First Game?
So, who’s the expert raining on the potential offensive parade? It’s SportsLine’s own Eric Cohen, a former Phoenix sports radio host and TV analyst who’s been a fixture on “Early Edge” since 2022. This guy doesn’t just talk, he delivers, with that stellar 90-68 record on college football ATS picks, netting $1,636 for $100 players. Plus, he’s a red-hot 5-1 on his last six top-rated LSU picks. So when Cohen talks about LSU, we listen. His top pick for this Clemson vs. LSU showdown? He’s going hard on the **Under 50.5 total points**. That’s a bold call when LSU is a 10-point favorite and Kiffin is known for his offense. Cohen isn’t mincing words, saying, “Overall, this is a really tough spot for Clemson considering the atmosphere.” He points out that “night games in Baton Rouge are always tough for the LSU opponents.” Not only is Clemson dealing with that notorious environment, but it’s also Kiffin’s debut and they are breaking in a new quarterback. On the flip side, Cohen isn’t expecting LSU to be a “well-oiled” machine either. That’s the cold, hard truth of a Week 1 debut with a new coach, no matter how hyped.
This Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, Lane Kiffin’s LSU Tigers kick off their season at home. With an expert betting against a high-scoring affair and Clemson facing a brutal environment, this Week 1 clash is gonna set the tone, good or bad, for Kiffin’s new era. You won’t want to miss if Cohen’s bold prediction plays out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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