Stephen Lew
By Hunt Palmer
The more things have changed for Michael Van Buren, plenty has stayed the same.
At a new school in a new state, Van Buren once again finds himself being called upon due to an injury to a starting quarterback in the SEC.
A year ago, he was thrust into duty as a true freshman at Mississippi State when Blake Shapen went down in week four with a shoulder injury. Van Buren led the Bulldogs in the final eight games.
LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier aggravated an injury last Thursday, and Van Buren stepped in on two days’ notice to lead LSU to a win.
“It’s about preparing like a starter every week because, being a backup quarterback, you can get on the field at any moment,” Van Buren said. “Every week you go into the week preparing like a starter. Preparing to play, so it’s going to work out from there.”
Nussmeier was there every step of the way, guiding the reserve on the sideline and answering questions Van Buren might have. Not only had the sophomore transfer not started a game at LSU, he was also working with interim offensive coordinator Alex Atkins as opposed to Joe Sloan who was dismissed three weeks ago with Brian Kelly.
Nussmeier’s steady presence was significant considering the rapid changes in circumstance on LSU’s offense.
“Nuss always gives me advice in practice, so it’s nothing new,” Van Buren said. “He helps me out when I need it. I help him out when he needs it. It’s a brotherhood that goes on.”
Interim head coach Frank Wilson said Wednesday that Nussmeier is doubtful for Saturday. LSU does not have to release an injury report because Saturday’s game with Western Kentucky is not an SEC matchup.
Van Buren is the expected starter.
Many were surprised when a quarterback with eight starts as a freshman decided to willingly sign on to be a backup when starting opportunities almost assuredly would have presented themselves in the transfer portal.
Van Buren has used the year for growth.
“I feel like I’ve grown a lot especially from this season and last season,” Van Buren said. “All the guys here, offense and defense and coaches in general. I feel like I’ve learned a lot, and I’ve improved a lot. I just want to keep getting better each week and do what I can to get the victory.”
Van Buren orchestrated the game-winning 12-play, 92-yard drive that put LSU ahead for good on Saturday. He capped the march with a 12-yard touchdown toss to tight end Bauer Sharp. Three minutes later his 35-yard run helped seal the game.
Afterward, Van Buren embraced Wilson in the locker room in an emotional moment for both as they earned their first wins at LSU.
“It meant a lot because Coach Frank was one of the main people dealing with my recruitment,” Van Buren said. “Getting that first win for him meant a lot for me.”
Van Buren’s two collegiate seasons have been defined by the unexpected. Starting quarterback injuries, coaching changes, transferring.
Then head coach Brian Kelly said during the spring that Van Buren would redshirt. That looks very unlikely now as he’s played in four games and is the expected starter on Saturday night against Western Kentucky. A fifth game would burn that year of eligibility.
Despite the turmoil and changes in circumstances, Van Buren insists it’s all been worth it.
“My first year here is pretty much all I could ask for,” he said. “All the drastic changes that have happened, I just go into every week just trying to get better. We still have people here that help me do that. So, coming here every day trying to make myself better than the day before is the main thing.”
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