Garrett Nussmeier knows resilience.
While many quarterbacks would feel discouraged spending multiple seasons as a backup, he stuck it out with LSU, patiently waiting for his time to start.
He didn’t transfer to a smaller school where he could increase his playing time. Nussmeier knew the long game was always his to play.
Now as a redshirt junior and in his fourth season with LSU, Nussmeier is leading the Tigers to gritty, powerful wins. In just four games and five starts total, he’s racked up 1,247 passing yards and 13 touchdowns.
“He’s progressing every single week, and it shows in our preparation,” tight end Mason Taylor said. “I think we have one of the best preparations in the country, just with practice-wise, and I think it shows Nuss is getting better every single week.”
Many wondered how this inexperienced quarterback would fill such big shoes – Heisman-winning shoes. But he’s quickly become the answer for a team whose defense digs itself into holes. Nussmeier responds with clutch passes to help LSU climb its way back up.
Against UCLA on Saturday, he completed 32 passes for 352 yards, but it wasn’t a cakewalk to the win.
The game was tied at 17 entering the third quarter, and Nussmeier showed his resilience to help LSU come back for a 34-17 win over the Bruins. In total, he threw three touchdowns against UCLA.
When asked about his progression through the start of the season, Nussmeier spoke about his team and the players around him who contribute to the success.
“I think we just did a great job as a team in general,” Nussmeier said. “The offensive line did a great job keeping me upright.”
In the second quarter, Nussmeier launched a 45-yard pass, which was perfectly placed in the hands of wide receiver Kyle Parker. With this pivotal play, LSU was able to take back the lead 14-10.
On top of four touchdowns, the LSU offense had two back-to-back 90-yard drives. Nussmeier said the offense focused on each play, instead of thinking about the total distance.
“It’s awesome,” Nussmeier said about completing these long drives. “It’s a great feeling, especially as a quarterback, and it’s not an individual effort. The coolest thing is I felt like we did it as a team.”
Being at the forefront of this offense and a new starter, Nussmeier would be closely watched.
His development through these first games shows he’s becoming more comfortable in the pocket as each week passes. Nussmeier’s resilience through these first four games is a testament to playing the long game, waiting for his time to shine.
Head coach Brian Kelly gave credit to the entire offense after the UCLA game, explaining how Nussmeier’s success comes from his support.
“He has a supporting cast,” Kelly said. “He has a really good offensive line. I think they keep him clean. They keep him protected. I think they allow him to do his job.”
While Nussmeier helped lead the Tigers to victory, the receivers also shined.
Tight end Mason Taylor had 77 yards and averaged 9.6 yards per catch. He came into the game against UCLA on Saturday with 91 catches, which is the most of any LSU tight end in history.
Midway through the game, Taylor also became the leading tight end in receiving yards in LSU history with 990.
Wide receiver Aaron Anderson averaged 12.5 yards per catch and had 75 receiving yards.
Against the Bruins, the running game also improved. Running back Josh Williams had 63 rushing yards, also scoring a touchdown to put LSU up 24-17.
“Part of the running game is the comfortability of those backs to really see holes and make some people miss,” Kelly said. “Again, that’s not a veteran group. Other than Josh, those are young players that are gradually coming into their own.”
With more carries, each of these running backs like freshman Caden Durham and sophomore Kaleb Jackson will build consistency.
While it won’t be an easy journey in these next weeks against South Alabama and Ole Miss, Nussmeier and the offense will take each hardship as a chance to be resilient.
