NEW: TJ Parker Responds to Brian Kelly’s ‘Death Valley Jr.’ Jab at Clemson: “We’re Gonna Handle All That on August 30”
In what has already become one of the most anticipated opening games of the 2025 college football season, a war of words is brewing ahead of the Week 1 clash between Clemson and LSU. At the center of the early drama is LSU head coach Brian Kelly, who recently made headlines with a thinly veiled jab at Clemson’s iconic home stadium, referring to it as “Death Valley Jr.” in a media interview.
But Clemson defensive lineman TJ Parker isn’t letting it slide.
Speaking to reporters after a summer workout session, Parker didn’t mince words when asked about Kelly’s remarks. “They can have their opinion,” Parker said coolly. “We’re gonna handle all that on August 30.”
The Tigers—both LSU and Clemson share the same mascot—are scheduled to meet in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in a primetime showdown that many are calling a potential playoff preview. While the clash on the field promises fireworks, the rhetoric off it is already igniting the rivalry.
Brian Kelly’s Provocation
The controversy began when Brian Kelly, entering his third season as LSU’s head coach, referred to Clemson’s Memorial Stadium as “Death Valley Jr.” during an interview on an SEC Network preseason special. The original “Death Valley,” in the eyes of many LSU fans, belongs to Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge—a venue notorious for its deafening atmosphere, especially during night games. Kelly leaned into that belief and doubled down when pressed on the comment.
“There’s only one Death Valley,” Kelly remarked with a smirk. “And it’s in Baton Rouge. The other one is just a nice little version of what we’ve got.”
His comments immediately sparked debate across social media and within the college football community, reigniting a long-standing debate over which program can claim the nickname “Death Valley.”
While Clemson’s Memorial Stadium adopted the nickname earlier—in the 1940s—LSU fans have argued that their stadium has since eclipsed it in stature, reputation, and intimidation factor.
TJ Parker Fires Back
For TJ Parker, a rising junior and key figure in Clemson’s defensive front, the words from Kelly only serve as fuel. The 6-foot-3, 275-pound edge rusher had a breakout 2024 campaign, registering 9.5 sacks and earning All-ACC honors. Known for his relentless motor and maturity beyond his years, Parker carries the kind of quiet confidence that aligns with Clemson’s team-first culture.
When asked directly about the “Death Valley Jr.” comment, Parker didn’t bite with bravado but let his words carry weight.
“We’ve heard it all before. At the end of the day, none of that matters until the whistle blows,” Parker said. “We’ll let the pads do the talking. We’ll see who’s got the real Death Valley.”
A History of Tension
While Clemson and LSU don’t meet often, the rivalry between the fan bases has always bubbled beneath the surface. The two teams last met in the 2012 Chick-fil-A Bowl and the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship Game, where LSU routed Clemson 42-25 en route to a perfect season under then-head coach Ed Orgeron.
That 2020 defeat still lingers for Clemson fans, and August 30 offers a rare opportunity for revenge. Head coach Dabo Swinney, though typically diplomatic, is known for keeping receipts. Sources close to the Clemson program suggest the “Death Valley Jr.” jab is already plastered on bulletin boards throughout the Tigers’ summer training complex.
Clemson has undergone a bit of a resurgence since a rough 2023 campaign. With a revamped offense and a defense anchored by Parker and fellow linemen Peter Woods and Barrett Carter, the Tigers are entering the 2025 season with something to prove.
Meanwhile, LSU has remained a national contender under Kelly, boasting a high-powered offense and a formidable SEC pedigree. But it’s the verbal sparring that has set the tone ahead of this high-stakes non-conference clash.
National Reactions Pour In
Analysts across the college football landscape have been quick to weigh in. ESPN’s David Pollack, a former Georgia Bulldog, chimed in on social media: “Respect both Death Valleys, but let’s not act like Clemson’s been a JV program. 2 national titles in recent years say otherwise.”
Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt added, “Kelly’s stirring the pot early. August 30’s going to be personal for both sides.”
The Bigger Picture
Beyond the bragging rights over a nickname, the matchup carries significant implications. Both programs are eyeing a return to the College Football Playoff, and with the new 12-team format debuting this season, an early resume win could be critical for seeding—and momentum.
TJ Parker knows this all too well. While others are caught up in social media debates and fan banter, his focus remains clear.
“We’re not here to win arguments on Twitter,” he said. “We’re here to win games. And August 30 is just the start.”
With just weeks to go before kickoff, the talk is heating up. But for Clemson—and TJ Parker—the time for words is nearly over. They’ll be ready to answer Brian Kelly’s comment the only way that matters: between the lines, under the lights, and on the field.
Because in the battle for Death Valley, only one can roar loudest.
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