Paul Finebaum praises Lane Kiffin after LSU victory over Clemson
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 4:39 PM
Last updated Sep 7, 2026

ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum offered praise for LSU head coach Lane Kiffin following his team's dominant performance against Clemson. The commentary marked a significant reversal from remarks made just days prior, when Finebaum criticized Kiffin’s leadership and the program's off-field eligibility issues. LSU secured a win over Clemson, leading 31-3 at halftime and 44-3 by the end of the third quarter. The victory arrived despite the absence of players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris from the official roster. Finebaum, who previously labeled the head coach immature, described the current LSU team as a national championship contender reminiscent of prominent programs from the 1980s and 1990s. Kiffin, who holds a $91 million contract, responded to the prior scrutiny by joking about the roster during the game.
- •LSU set a school record with 38 first downs and 309 rushing yards against Clemson.
- •Clemson managed only 40 rushing yards and converted 1-of-13 third down attempts.
- •Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris were left off the official LSU roster.
- •Paul Finebaum called LSU a national championship contender on the September 7 episode of Get Up.
- •Finebaum previously criticized the LSU administration and Lane Kiffin on September 5.
- 4:39 PMYahoo Sports — "Be in the TV Business": ESPN’s Paul Finebaum Changes Stance and Publicly Sides With $91M Head Coach
"Paul Finebaum watched Lane Kiffin shift from college football’s problem to its new draw after one night in Baton Rouge. LSU head coach had been the villain in the eligibility fight before the 2026 season began, but now that same story is being sold as must-watch TV now.
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