Garrett Nussmeier emotional following LSU 31-24 loss to Vanderbilt

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was visibly emotional on the sidelines following the Tigers’ 31-24 loss to Vanderbilt Saturday. Nussmeier and LSU fell to 5-2 and 2-2 in the SEC this season.

It was a bit of a back and forth affair between the two squads. But LSU’s offense came up nearly empty in the end, managing just a field goal in the fourth quarter while trying to rally from a 10-point deficit.

After Vandy QB Diego Pavia converted a first down run near the goal line to clinch the win, cameras panned to Nussmeier. The LSU captain had a towel and buried his face in it, clearly emotional at a rough loss for the Tigers.

Pavia > Nussmeier pic.twitter.com/SZlJnGGdzv

— NCAAF Nation (@NCAAFNation247) October 18, 2025

In the loss, Nussmeier was 19-of-28 passing for 225 yards and two touchdowns. However, LSU punted twice in the fourth quarter following a field goal to cut it to a 31-24 lead for Vanderbilt.

The Tigers’ defense stepped up in the final frame too, forcing two Vanderbilt punts and only allowed the Commodores to run seven plays in total. But Nussmeier and LSU could not string together good drives, going three-and-out on both of those final possessions.

Once the Tigers punted it away, Pavia led Vanderbilt on a seven-play, 54 yard drive to clinch the game. Vandy is now 6-1 on the season and could have an argument at a top 10 ranking Sunday.

LSU committed seven total penalties but did not turn the ball over Saturday. Nussmeier and the Tigers could not sustain many drives though. The time of possession was in favor of Vanderbilt, 36:31 to 23:29.

LSU and Nussmeier are back in action next Saturday at home. They’ll host Texas A&M at 7:30 p.m. ET.