After a jaw-dropping and explosive season in 2023, LSU is preparing for a 2024 campaign featuring a new-look offense. The departure of their Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback and two first-round wide receivers is as significant a loss as any team in the nation will experience, but all is not lost. The vibes in LSU have remained very positive, partly because of some exciting additions to the wide receiver room but primarily because of one man in particular: Garrett Nussmeier. The Tigers’ new starting quarterback shone in his opportunities in 2023, and fans are excited to see what he can do in 2024. In this article, we will take a closer look at his experience and skill set and what influence he will have on the offense as a whole.
Recap of Jayden Daniels’ Tenure at LSU
Garrett Nussmeier undoubtedly has big shoes to fill. Shoes don’t get much bigger than the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. As a 5th year starter, Jayden Daniels made the most of his experience and explosive offensive playmakers by scorching the nation to the tune of 3,812 passing yards and 40 touchdowns, in addition to 1,134 rushing yards and ten touchdowns. Quick math tells you that that is under 5,000 total yards and 50 touchdowns. Not bad at all.
Those explosive playmakers I mentioned were Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Junior, who had over 1,100 yards and 31 touchdowns. Their freakish talents earned them both first-round draft selections, and, when on the field together, they gave opposing college defenses no chance, especially when you combined it with Daniels’ rushing ability and deep-ball accuracy. LSU’s 43.3 points per game were the most in the nation, and following that performance will be tough.
Still, despite all that talent walking out the door, expectations are high, and this article will explain why.
Garrett Nussmeier’s Playing Style
Jayden Daniels is one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks to have ever played a college game, and his outrageous 600-yard day, including 234 rushing yards, against Florida, proved that. You won’t be getting any performances like that from Garrett Nussmeier, who does his damage through his powerful arm rather than his legs. Nussmeier is a much more conventional quarterback, delivering quick and accurate passes at all levels while also being able to deliver strikes on the move. It is notable how easily the ball zips out of his fingers and quickly reaches his receivers.
In a press conference, Coach Sloan recently praised Nussmeier by saying, “Garrett’s a high processor; he processes information quickly and then has the arm talent to get it to that place and the creativity.”
He has already shown flashes while backing up Daniels, and, more importantly, he passed his first proper test with flying colors at the end of the 2023 season. In the Reliaquest Bowl against Wisconsin, Nussmeier threw for 395 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, completing 68.9% of his passes. It was a fantastic effort, made even more impressive because Malik Nabers left the game early after securing enough yards to break the LSU receiving yards record.
The incredible performance was capped off by a late drive that started at LSU’s 2-yard line and finished with a 4-yard passing touchdown to take the lead and secure the win. For his efforts, Nussmeier won the MVP Award for the game, filling Tigers fans with immense confidence and excitement for life after Jayden Daniels. Nussmeier undoubtedly has talent, and his recent interview at Manning’s Passing Academy showed a confident and composed young man ready to lead this offense.
Impact of Personnel Changes
While losing Malik Nabers and Brian Thoms Junior is far from ideal, LSU benefits, at least from some returning talent and exciting additions. Kyren Lacy is the standout name, coming off a year in which he posted 558 yards and seven touchdowns, which is a very solid showing considering he was operating in the vast shadows cast by Nabers and Thomas. Lacy is a proven commodity who took his opportunities when they came last year, including a 95-yard performance in the Reliaquest Bowl, thriving after Nabers left the field. He is returning this year to prove himself as an alpha receiver and has a great opportunity to succeed as the group leader.
Chris Hilton is another returning talent, now entering his junior season. He popped up with several big plays last year but struggled to make a significant impact, which is unsurprising given who was ahead of him on the depth chart. Still, his 225 yards and two touchdowns came at 17.3 yards per catch, emphasizing his big play ability. Camp reports suggest that he is getting more work inside this year, so it will be fascinating to see if he can establish a more consistent role in the offense.
C.J. Daniels and Zavion Thomas are the two big additions this offseason. Daniels is a four-star recruit from Liberty, fresh off a junior campaign in which he posted 1,067 yards and ten touchdowns at an average clip of 19.4 yards per catch. He is a speedy playmaker with an impressive 6-foot-2 frame and a good catch radius. Reports suggest he has been spending more time with the second team in practice, but he could be a very exciting and explosive weapon on the outside once he adjusts to life at LSU. Thomas, a transfer from Mississippi State, has just enjoyed a 500-yard season following a successful 2022 campaign in which he was named a Freshman All-American as a punt returner.
Sophomore Aaron Anderson is another returning talent to watch out for. He didn’t get many opportunities last year but has been spending time with the first team in practice. Behind the established talent of Kyren Lacy, there will be an intriguing battle for the remaining wide receiver targets, and Anderson is in with a great shot. Kyle Parker, Shelton Sampson Junior, and Kylan Billiot are expected to round out the group and offer rotational support.
At tight end, Mason Taylor is another solid option for Nussmeier to make the most of. One of the biggest assets of this offense is the offensive line. Left tackle, Will Campbell headlines a very experienced and talented bunch who will give Nussmeier all the time he needs to show off his powerful arm.
Changes to the Offensive Scheme
Of course, last year’s success cannot be solely attributed to the players on the pitch. Offensive Coordinator Mike Denbrock also deserves some praise, but with him heading to Notre Dame, another change in personnel will affect this team. Joe Sloan is the new primary play-caller and a popular hire, having already spent two seasons as the quarterback’s coach. Nussmeier admitted that one of the reasons he stayed to back up Jayden Daniels was because of Sloan’s presence, which suggests the two should be a very good pairing moving forward. When asked about him, Nussmeier said, “He knows me better than anyone at this point outside of probably, I’d say, my own father. I wouldn’t want to play for anyone other than coach Sloan.”
In the post-Jayden Daniels LSU offense, the rushing duties will very much be left to Josh Williams, Kaleb Jackson, and the running backs, with Nussmeier just needing to focus on making the most of his impressive arm talent and working with a skilled but relatively unknown, group of receivers. Expect more deep passing and explosive offense.
Despite this being his first season in charge, expectations will be very high in Tiger Nation, and he’ll need to deliver. The schedule won’t be easy, including games against Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Alabama and crucial clashes against USC and Oklahoma to open and close the season. The new 12-team playoff format puts LSU in with a great shot, and fans will expect nothing less than an appearance, but those close games at each end of the season could be the difference.
Show Your Support
Support the Sports View 360 LSU Football Section by exploring and purchasing licensed NCAA fan gear. From stylish LSU hats, jerseys, and t-shirts to cozy socks and much more, our collection offers a range of options to showcase your team spirit. By purchasing through the text link provided below, you contribute to the funding of the Sports View 360 platform, enabling us to continue providing comprehensive coverage and engaging content. If interested, click the link below and browse our LSU Tigers fan gear selection. Your support is greatly appreciated.
LSU Tigers Fan Gear Offers from Fanatics.com
