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Brian Kelly reveals how many first team reps Michael Van Buren is taking amid Garrett Nussmeier rest

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby: Grant Grubbs2 hours agogrant_grubbs_
LSU backup QB Michael Van Buren impressed in his debut with the Tigers (Photo: © Stephen Lew-Imagn Images)
LSU backup QB Michael Van Buren impressed in his debut with the Tigers (Photo: © Stephen Lew-Imagn Images)

LSU has a bye this week and is using the opportunity to rest quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who’s been battling a torso injury this season. On Wednesday, LSU head coach Brian Kelly revealed how many first-team reps backup QB Michael Van Buren has been receiving with Nussmeier resting.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for him. We’re gonna give Garrett some time to rest here this week, make sure he’s fully at 100%,” Kelly said. “Michael got all the first-team reps in articulation; he did a great job. He’s still learning, but as we said, we feel confident in his ability.”

Van Buren has seen limited action for LSU this season. However, when he’s been given a chance, he’s played well. Most notably, Van Buren played all of the fourth quarter in LSU’s 56-10 win over SE Louisiana in Week 4.

In the win, Van Buren completed 10-of-his-12 pass attempts for 122 yards and a touchdown, without throwing an interception. Van Buren transferred to LSU this past offseason after spending the 2024 campaign at Mississippi State.

Van Buren completed 54.7% of his passes for the Bulldogs for 1,886 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, compared to seven interceptions. While Kelly is confident in Van Buren’s abilities, he also doesn’t anticipate Nussmeier needing a full-time replacement.

Rumors have circulated around Nussmeier’s health this season in the wake of a few underwhelming performances. On Monday, Kelly railed against the rumor that Nussmeier would be undergoing surgery during the season.

“That’s misinformation. Those are not based on any facts. They are quite silly, actually,” Kelly said. “I know you have to ask the question, so I am certainly not throwing you under the bus for asking it, because people want to know. But this is misinformation.

“Yes, early on, he had an ab strain, not a core injury in terms of a core injury (we have to) deal with. And, it’s been slow to heal. But, as I had mentioned, he is on the back side of that. He is getting rest this week. He will be the Garrett Nussmeier he needs to be as we get into the very difficult part of our schedule.”

Nonetheless, Michael Van Buren will continue to prepare in case LSU needs him to step up. After their bye this week, the Tigers will resume play with a showdown against South Carolina on Oct. 11. LSU will be at home for the pivotal SEC matchup.