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Some years, an easy opener creates a great opportunity for the new players -- particularly freshmen -- to show how they react to a much bigger stage than they're used to.

The 2025 opener is not that type of setting.

The showdown with LSU at the orange Death Valley is going to be arguably the top game in the country that weekend, and perhaps even the top interconference matchup of the entire season.

So if some of these newcomers are fit to perform under the extreme mental duress of that setting, they can perform in any setting.

A few freshmen on both sides might not be ready to define that game, but we believe they'll have a chance to define themselves as fast risers.

FAST RISERS FOR CLEMSON, LSU (For subscribers-only)