SUBSCRIBE HERE TO SUPPORT LSUODYSSEY's MISSION IN PROVIDING TRAILBLAZING, CONSISTENT TIGERS COVERAGE
SUPPORT OUR FRIENDS @ EYECONIKBRAND.COM, LOUISIANA'S #1 STOP FOR CHAMPIONSHIP MENTALITY APPAREL
By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
During the same week LSU's profile as a bona fide quarterback school couldn't be any higher, following former Tiger Heisman winners Joe Burrow & Jayden Daniels' entertaining NFL showdown on Monday Night Football, the exploits of LSU's current signal caller, Garrett Nussmeier, now verify & certify Burrow and Daniels were no flukes....they were just the first.
Red shirt junior QB Garrett Nussmeier waited in the shadows for 3 long seasons (as LSUOdyssey chronicled here & here) before finally getting his chance in 2024, and despite some believing he'd require a season to get his feet wet, Nussmeier has undoubtedly hit the ground running as LSU's unquestioned starting quarterback.
Nuss's contributions to the team have been incendiary, producing 3 passing performances that eclipsed 300 yards (out of 4 games), tossing the 2nd most passing yards in the SEC & 7th most in the nation (1,247), hitting 113 completions (ranks #1 in the country & stands as the most by any LSU starting quarterback through their first 4 games), throwing an SEC-leading 13 passing touchdowns (also ranks 2nd nationally), all while completing 7 big time throws.....LSU's loyal longtime quarterback hasn't just been great, Nussmeier is operating on a higher level than many would've ever tempted to project.
Always possessing every tool needed to become a great quarterback, the biggest question about Nussmeier revolved around turnovers; Throwing just 2 turnover worthy passes & 2 INTs across 160 attempts, the former Marcus High superstar is taking care of the football....especially after two close calls @ South Carolina.
Chucking up two completely ill advised pass attempts while being thrown to the ground, Nuss tossed a pair of dangerous pick sixes that were luckily called back due to flags involving cheap shot hits on LSU's quarterback.
Since those moments of madness vs South Carolina, Nuss showcases an even deeper command of the offense, becoming more intentional and a rhythm-based passer, always on the hunt for explosion downfield but content keeping the chains moving.
Yes, South Carolina was a game of tough lessons and even rougher hits for the Lake Charles native QB, however, let's not overlook the fact Nuss directly led a comeback win (down 17-0) on that day, too...
Garrett's numbers only continue to rise by the game, but so do the big plays he's created for his team, consistently saving LSU during these first 4 games......all without a single skill position player registering 100 yards or more through the air or on the ground during any one game.
Showing how much LSU rely on Nussmeier's production so far during 2024:
19 of LSU's 25 total 3rd down conversions stem from his right arm (3 TDs, 1 INT, 3 sacks suffered and 3 drops from targeted receivers on critical downs), converting 19 of 38 passing plays on 3rd or 4th down.
Through the air, Nussmeier has spread the wealth, hitting Kyren Lacy for 5 touchdowns on the season, helping Mason Taylor become the all time productive tight end in LSU history, while Aaron Anderson repeatedly breaks tackles, pulls off devastating moves, and hauls down tough catches in traffic, leading the team in receiving yards (298) & catches (21), though the Tigers' 2024 aerial game remains in embryonic form.
On the ground, LSU's offense is barely measuring a pulse when Caden Durham isn't on the field, creating a one dimensional offense which makes Nussmeier's job that much more difficult.
Even worse, LSU's offensive line repeatedly fail to get a push up front to aid the running game, while also committing a few breakdowns when protecting Nuss in the pocket, most notably when allowing some low crunching hits on their quarterback vs Nicholls and @ South Carolina.
The schedule also granted LSU's first year starter zero favors, playing his first 3 games across a wild & weary 13 days, from Las Vegas to Baton Rouge and finally Columbia, South Carolina, with Nuss proving decisive throughout every turn in the road.
While experiencing so much going against him, Nuss displays toughness in spades, refuses to blame teammates, accepts full responsibility for any offensive collapses, as he continuously throws LSU over his shoulder and carries the team to the top of the hill....time and time again balling out in the face of adversity.
His ultimate poise under pressure is still what's surprised me most; We all knew Nuss would be more experienced & ready for his first year as a starter than most quarterbacks, but even this level of calm, confident, assured playmaking has us increasingly impressed.
The numbers are eye opening & exciting for LSU fans....
....The performances have been outstanding, right when a listless LSU needed them most vs a string of tricky opponents.....
....His poise is so stoic & unmoved, you'd think he was on Valium half the time....never too low, never too high.....
....Most exciting for Nussmeier's teammates, coaches, as well as LSU fans???
....it appears the NussBus is just getting revved up.
By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
©️ 2024 Uninterrupted Writings Inc
I think we might see more deep passes as Hilton works his way back in and Daniel’s gets even more acclimated. When this happens, defenses are going to play a little deeper allowing the run game more space to operate.