Garrett Nussmeier doesn’t have the rushing ability his predecessor had, but good lord does the LSU quarterback have the arm talent to make up for it.
Early in the second quarter against UCLA on Saturday, Nussmeier uncorked a 45-yard touchdown to Kyle Parker to put the Tigers on top of the visiting Bruins. Parker fought for the endzone, but Nussmeier dropped the ball in a bucket.
Unbelievable throw and catch.@realkp4_ with the TOUCHDOWN
ABC pic.twitter.com/NAUW3QiX1o
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) September 21, 2024
Prior to the play, LSU right tackle Emery Jones was forced out of the game with an apparent ankle injury. Redshirt freshman Tyree Adams replaced him on the right side of the line. To dial up a shot play shortly after shows a supreme level of confidence in Nussmeier.
But that confidence has been earned. Through the first 3 weeks of the season, Nussmeier was top-5 nationally in EPA by a quarterback. His 83.1 QBR ranked top 15 among qualified FBS passers.
Nussmeier threw for 308 yards and 2 scores in LSU’s opener. He threw for 302 yards and 6 scores in Week 2, then went for another 285 and 2 scores in the comeback win at South Carolina last week.
Against UCLA on Saturday, Nussmeier hit 10 of his first 12 passes for 122 yards. He hit each of his first 6 passes in the game, leading LSU on a touchdown drive to open things up.
The Tigers closed around a 3-score favorite with most Louisiana betting apps. ABC has the broadcast for the game.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
