The LSU Tigers have finally started a season 1-0 under Brian Kelly, and it was mostly thanks to a fantastic showing from the defense. It wasn't always the prettiest of outings, but it was enough to get the job done.

Pro Football Focus, who grades each player's performance each week on a scale from 0-100, wasn't overwhelming impressed with any individual execution. The highest grade they handed out was just over 80. 

Here are the four Tigers who played the best on Saturday, according to PFF:

CB Mansoor Delane - 81.3

If there was one phrase to describe Delane's performance against the Clemson Tigers, it would be "as advertised." There were high expectations coming into the year after a strong start to his career with the Virginia Tech Hokies, and he quickly proved that praise to be true.

Per PFF's metrics, the 21-year-old was targeted eight times and allowed just one catch. He also had two passes broken up and one interception. The Tigers desperately need more playmaking in their secondary and Delane looks ready to provide it. 

WR Aaron Anderson - 79.8

Anderson was one of Nussmeier's favorite targets last year, leading the team in receptions and yards, so it's not surprising to see that chemistry pick right up from where it left off. If LSU needs a first down, Anderson can likely be the one to pick it up.

A whopping 56 of his 99 yards came after the catch, showcasing just how game-breaking of a weapon he can be despite being 5-foot-8, 188 pounds.

QB Garrett Nussmeier - 75.0

Nussmeier didn't have his flashiest game in purple and gold, but he turned it on when he needed to and continued to make some of the most NFL-level throws in the country. He was 28-of-38 through the air for 232 yards and a touchdown.

Maybe most importantly, he avoided the back-breaking interception and sensed pressure better than ever before. When facing pressure, he got the ball out in 2.91 seconds. It was 3.37 seconds last year, and it led to 15 sacks. 

That type of game-processing is what the Tigers needed to see from their veteran quarterback and it is exactly what he showed.

DE Patrick Payton - 74.9

It was another transfer that stood out on defense, which was the plan following the massive rehaul. Payton was one of the more anticipated incoming players, but didn't have the most dominant fall camp.

He had a well rounded game, picking up both a quarterback hit and a quarterback hurry. The senior also batted down a pass and came up with a stop in run defense. This game put him back on track to have a solid campaign after struggling in 2024 for the Florida State Seminoles.