Episode Details

Episode Notes: BEHIND ENEMY LINES: LSU WITH JON BLAU Clemson Tigers LIVE 208 / ALL IN SHOW 188 Hosts: Jordan Bowman & Edward “Tiger Paw” Craven Special Guest: Jon Blau (The Advocate, covering LSU) ClemsonVOCFB

Show Open (0:02–0:05)

• Jordan welcomes Clemson and college football fans to the All-In Show, presented by FanDuel.
• Big focus: Week 1 rematch, Clemson at LSU in Baton Rouge.
• Shoutouts to channel members (Arthur, John, Isaac, CJ).
• TPC joins from the road (softball event for his daughter); camera coming on later.

Guest Introduction – Jon Blau (0:05–0:06)

• Background: Penn State grad; covered Indiana Hoosiers; five years on Clemson beat at Post and Courier; moved to Baton Rouge to cover LSU.
• Praised for writing quality and personal story (medical journey).
• Fresh off LSU fall camp practice.

Jon’s Transition to Baton Rouge (0:06–0:07)

• Positive so far. Louisiana is very social; multiple lunch invites.
• Visited Phil’s Oyster Bar (LSU athletics hangout with private “back-back” room).
• Meeting people and settling in well.

Overarching Themes: Clemson vs. LSU (0:07–0:11)

• Similarities: Both struggled to run the ball last year; both starting new QBs; heavy portal involvement (Clemson double-digit transfers for first time; LSU 40+).
• Differences: Lane Kiffin (lightning-rod personality, history of messy exits) vs. Dabo Swinney (long-tenured, preacher-like steadiness).
• Kiffin retained DC Blake Baker.
• QB contrast: LSU landed Sam Leavitt (portal prize); Clemson sticking with Christopher Vizzina (with Tate Reynolds still in the mix).

Sam Leavitt & LSU Offense (0:11–0:18)

• Foot (Lisfranc) was the big storyline until recently. Limited spring; missed SEC Media Days.
• Now says he’s 100%. Media saw him sprint for the first time in camp. Abbreviated offseason but worked privately with receivers (including trip to Dallas).
• Completely rebuilt receiving corps (only one returner). Weapons include:
  • TE Trey’dez Green (6-7, former basketball player, matchup nightmare).
  • WR Jackson Harris (Hawaii transfer, strong PFF grades, jump-ball threat).
  • WR Jace Brown (Kansas State, burner).
  • Slot/cousin of Sammy Watkins (nifty route runner; missed a couple recent practices).
• Kiffin system simplifies things for QBs and creates easier looks via run threat. Expectations high if Leavitt’s mobility is fully back. Gunslinger tendencies still present.
• Goal: more explosive plays than last year’s Brian Kelly offense (Nussmeier often under duress; no run game). Starts with establishing the run to open the play-action game.

LSU Offensive Line (0:18–0:21)

• Four of five spots largely settled.
  • LT Jordan Seaton (Colorado transfer, former 5-star; down ~20 lbs, best shape of career).
  • Guard Alou Baugh (Maryland transfer; excellent pass-pro grades, minimal pressures/sacks allowed).
  • Braylon Moore (Virginia Tech).
  • Bo Bordelon (5th-year, limited prior playing time).
• Right tackle still open: Weston Davis (highly recruited, ups-and-downs as RS freshman) vs. Sean Tompkins (Baylor) and others. Similar uncertainty to Clemson’s right side (Easton Ware, Colin Sadler, etc.).

Clemson Offensive Approach / Portal Stance (0:21–0:23)

• Jon’s view: Biggest Clemson question is still the offensive line (injuries/inconsistency with Colin Sadler, Elijah Thurman, Harris at center, Easton Ware).
• They tried to add OL help in the portal but largely stood pat. Adding one more would have simpl