It was expected that the third-ranked Tigers would have another explosive offense with quarterback Garrett Nussmeier returning for his fifth season, but Coach Brian Kelly said the Heisman candidate is playing through a torso injury. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says it’s an injury Nussmeier has been dealing with this torso injury since preseason camp.
“I was told abdomen, which is all the same thing or really close to it. But the bottom line is the throwing motion. That’s going to be painful there, you know. So that might explain his inaccuracies, and he’s just appeared to be off,” Guilbeau said.
Through three games this season, Nussmeier has completed 65% of his passes for 689 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. LSU’s pass offense ranks 11th in the SEC and Guilbeau says the injury has prevented Nussmeier from throwing the deep pass.
“He hasn’t thrown as deep much. Brian Kelly said, yesterday, they haven’t practiced the vertical game as much because he’s been held out of practice,” Guilbeau explained.
Kelly believes Nussmeier will be able to get over the injury during the bye week following the Ole Miss game on September 27th. Guilbeau says it seems like LSU has a handle on the injury.
“I think they’re handling it smart. If he does mend in the coming weeks and get better, it’ll be just in time for the tougher games,” Guilbeau said.
LSU hosts Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday night and then they’ll visit the Rebels the following week.
