Brian Kelly praises Garrett Nussmeier for game-winning drive

LSU was powered all season long by Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, but it had to rely on Garrett Nussmeier in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Wisconsin, with Daniels opting out to protect his NFL Draft stock.

Nussmeier was put to the test in a major way in his first outing. He was asked to go win the game.

With LSU trailing 31-28 with about six minutes remaining, Nussmeier took over and went to work. The Tigers couldn’t be entirely sure what they’d get out of him.

It’s one thing to do it in practice. It’s another with a whole stadium full of people watching.

“Look, he hasn’t had many of those rehearsed situations,” coach Brian Kelly explained. “I think our two-minute drill puts him on the 35-yard line with less than a minute to go in the game with a timeout, and he’s going against his own teammates. This is a little bit different.”

Garrett Nussmeier set up shop and quickly fired incomplete on his first passing attempt. After a couple rushes netted a first down, he threw incomplete again.

Rather than let frustration set in, Nussmeier stayed focused. He then delivered a dart for a 37-yard gain to Kyren Lacy. He found Chris Hilton Jr. for 43 yards one play later. After another quick rush, Nussmeier hit Brian Thomas Jr. in the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown, giving the Tigers the lead.

“His ability to manage the moment, his ability to be calm in those situations speaks of a guy that is going to only excel and get better as he plays more football,” Kelly said.

When the game finished, Garrett Nussmeier had a line of 31-of-45 passing for 395 yards and three touchdowns, with one interception. He’s not going to be the rushing threat that Daniels was, but he has looked fairly competent so far in increasing action for the Tigers.

In total, Nussmeier recorded stats in six games for LSU in 2023.

The sophomore quarterback has thrown for 1,720 career yards, with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He has also run for one score.