By Hunt Palmer
Garrett Nussmeier is slumping.
Three weeks ago, Nussmeier was the best quarterback in the SEC. He topped the league in completions, touchdowns and a handful of other statistics. His interception issues felt minor given his production and LSU’s unbeaten conference mark.
Since that point, five of his last 62 throws have been intercepted, and LSU’s offense has managed two touchdowns in 90 minutes of game time.
Nussmeier is a stern self-critic. In the moments after LSU’s biggest win of the year, a victory he more than helped secure with five brilliant throws in crunch time against Ole Miss, he bemoaned his two interceptions. Against Texas A&M and Alabama, his turnovers significantly contributed to losses.
Those shortcomings under bright lights can weigh on a young man. His teammates insist that’s not the case this week.
“Garrett is a guy who is going to always lead the team no matter how he feels or what the circumstances,” said junior right tackle Emery Jones. “He’s been leading the team, making sure we’ve got good energy. Making sure there’s no negativity that’s creeping in. He’s doing a great job of keeping that out of the locker room.”
No matter how Nussmeier personally feels about his performance or LSU’s results, he’s LSU’s best shot every Saturday. A dozen weeks into the season, LSU isn’t going to become a force on the ground. The Tiger defense isn’t going to become an elite unit. Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas won’t be in The Swamp.
LSU goes as Nussmeier goes. Period.
Texas A&M and Alabama managed to disrupt and confuse Nussmeier with different pressure packages and coverages. They adjusted to what made LSU so successful much of September and October. It’s now time for Nussmeier and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan to do the same.
Florida has only faced three upper-level passing teams this year. Cam Ward of Miami threw for 385 yards and three scores. Carson Beck threw for 309 and two more. Last week Quinn Ewers, Arch Manning and Texas threw for 352 and five touchdowns.
The Gators have ruled four defensive backs out with injury. Slump busting time.
Certainly, the focus for LSU will be to try to establish a running game. Yes, Blake Baker and his staff will have to find a way to corral DJ Lagway and the Florida rushing attack. All of that can be true while holding on to the coexisting truth that if Nussmeier completes less than half of his throws and turns the ball over in the redzone, LSU is going to lose its third straight.
With a win, the Tigers return home for the final two games against very beatable opponents.
LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly spends his weekly time managing every aspect of the program from recruiting, to weightlifting, to practice. This week, he’s keyed in on his junior signal caller a bit more than usual.
“I’ve spent a lot of time with (Nussmeier) this week,” Brian Kelly. “I think he’s been thoughtful, intentional. He’s taken leadership. I just like the way he’s locked in this week. My experience tells me that when a quarterback is this locked in…you might want to watch the game.”
