Garrett Nussmeier states he is 'not a big fan of the Florida Gators'

Safe to say, LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier is ready for the rivalry game against Florida on Saturday in Death Valley. “Nuss” is not a fan of those Gators though, so don’t ask him to say anything nice about the team across the field.

Nussmeier is focused on making sure his team operates efficiently and wins another football game. It’s as simple as that. 

He acknowledged the rivalry between the two schools, which has seen its fair share of intense moments, wacky plays and stunning outcomes. But, he’s ready for the home fans to help out LSU this weekend.

“Yeah, I’m not a big fan of the Florida Gators,” Nussmeier said. “I think I’ve made that pretty evident throughout my time here. So it’s an awesome opportunity, you know it’s a great team, obviously a great program, very storied rivalry, very storied team that we’re playing. And so, I just can’t wait to get into Death Valley, you know and feel that environment, it’s gonna be pretty exciting.”

It should be noted Nussmeier’s father Doug coached at Florida for three seasons. Doug Nussmeier was the Gators’ OC from 2015-17 under Jim McElwain. There was success there, including two SEC Championship Game appearances.

But, McElwain was fired after seven games in 2017 and Nussmeier was let go just a month later after a 4-7 record (one game was canceled due to Hurricane Irma). Nussmeier’s been coaching in the NFL since then and is currently the New Orleans Saints’ offensive coordinator, so he’s near his son.

If that’s any indication, perhaps Garrett Nussmeier holds an additional grudge against Florida due to his father’s exit from the program. In any event, no one in an LSU uniform or polo wants to lose to the Gators this weekend.

After losing five in a row and six of the last eight games, Florida beat LSU last season 27-16 in Gainesville. They lead the all-time series 34-31-3, dating back to 1937.

Nussmeier is off to a solid start individually, but he’ll have to step his game up against, what could be, a desperate Florida team. He has 469 yards, two touchdowns, one interception and a 68.4% completion percentage through two games.

Nussmeier and LSU are ready for primetime, ranked No. 3 in the country going into the weekend. Kickoff at home against Florida is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.