CLEMSON — The Clemson Tigers hosted LSU in a top-10 matchup, with tensions for an early win as high as ever. Those wishes, however, weren’t met.

Fourth-ranked Clemson fell 17-10 against No. 9 LSU on Saturday, giving LSU the chance to boast their ownership of the term “Death Valley” and to possibly make a jump up the national rankings. On the other end, Clemson has to find a way to regroup.

Defensive back Ronan Hanafin, who finished the night leading the team with 12 total tackles and a forced fumble, spoke to the media after the loss and shared his sentiments.

“It’s going to be a long season, and not everything is going to go the way you want it to go,” Hanafin said. “So, expect us to be back next week as strong as ever.”

It is hard to picture what Clemson looks like as strong as ever, as their demonstration against LSU was not what most had in mind. The Tigers managed only 31 rushing yards off of 20 carries, fewer first downs and yards gained, and zero points scored in the entire second half.

However, the defense did do its part. Clemson held LSU to 17 points and 354 total yards and that was with the Bayou Bengals controlling the ball for 37:10.

With the expectations of greatness and playoff success in the future, a loss at home to open the season isn’t the way to get on and stay on that track.

“There are a lot of guys that you’d think would get their head down, but you have to keep their head up and stay positive,” Hanafin said of Swinney’s message to the players after the game. “God’s got our back.”

Clemson has to move forward, despite the tough and disappointing loss, as there is a slew of games coming their way. The Tigers face off against Troy at home next week, and the following week, they take their talents to Atlanta to face Georgia Tech to open the ACC season.

While Saturday was not the ideal start, it’s only just the beginning.

Clemson looks to move past the loss and get back on track when they face the Troy Trojans next Saturday at 3:30 pm at Memorial Stadium in Clemson.