LSU to start Michael Van Buren at QB vs. Oklahoma amid Garrett Nussmeier injury

LSU is expected to start Michael Van Buren at QB against Oklahoma, On3’s Pete Nakos reported. Garrett Nussmeier is still dealing with an injury, which paved the way for Van Buren to get another start.

On3 previously reported Nussmeier was considered doubtful the regular season finale. He was sidelined once again last week in LSU’s victory over Western Kentucky, and his status for Week 14 was also in question amid his recovery. The initial availability report for the matchup will come out Wednesday night.

Speaking with reporters earlier this week, LSU interim coach Frank Wilson said the week of practice would be crucial to determining Nussmeier’s status. He added the Tigers quarterback is handling treatment well amid his recovery.

“We’re going to try to see what he looks like today, or tomorrow should I say in practice,” Wilson said Monday. “He was good in treatment this weekend.”

Saturday’s game against Oklahoma would mark Van Buren’s third straight start in Nussmeier’s place. The Mississippi State quarterback has appeared in five games this year, meaning he is no longer eligible for a redshirt. In that time, he has completed 64% of his passes for 647 yards and four touchdowns while adding a rushing touchdown, as well.

Early in the week, Wilson said he needed more time before making a determination on Nussmeier’s status. LSU would continue to evaluate him throughout the week with an answer hopefully coming closer to the regular-season finale against Oklahoma.

“Real early on this Monday to project,” Wilson said. “But, we’ll give him a go at it, and see how he feels, and probably, midweek, be able to give you better answers to that when I come in here on Thursday, or Wednesday.”

LSU improved to 7-4 on the season with last week’s win over Western Kentucky and will look to complete an eight-win season with a victory over Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers snapped a three-game losing streak with a home win against Arkansas before the break from conference play, and they are officially heading to a bowl game under Wilson.

In last week’s 13-10 win over WKU, Van Buren went 25 of 42 for 202 yards and a touchdown, along with an interception. It is expected to be his game again as LSU heads to Norman for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Saturday to close out the season.