Fifth-year senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier looked more like himself in Saturday’s 20-10 win over South Carolina. The two interceptions were bad, but he played with more conviction against the Gamecocks, and it led to him throwing for 254 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for 30 yards.
Nussmeier has refused to use the ab strain he suffered in preseason practice as a physical excuse. But Nuss admitted on Tuesday night to reporters that it did affect him mentally.
“Everything I was going through the first couple weeks, it was obviously very frustrating. And I think I let it get to me a little bit. A feeling of helplessness at times,” Nussmeier said.
“But now, just having fun playing football. Just being me and playing the game that I love to play, so I think I lost that there for a minute, until coached challenged me to be myself, and bring that swagger back.”
Not only does Nussmeier have his swagger back, but he was also able to lean on a ground game in the win over the Gamecocks. LSU did not have a sensational night running the football, but it was good enough to bring some balance to the offense.
“There was a point where we were either busting a long run or we were gaining a yard, so now I think you are seeing a lot more consistency, but I think our offensive line has really meshed well together and done an unbelievable job in continuing to grow in that area and I think the backs have done a great job as well in continuing to work on that.”
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Now the challenge for Nussmeier and the Tigers is to go on the road and beat the 17th ranked Vanderbilt Commodores. Nussmeier is looking forward to his first trip to Nashville.
“I actually enjoy playing on the road more than I enjoy playing at home at times, not because I don’t like playing in front of our fans, but there’s nothing like taking the life from a stadium, making a big play and hearing the place go silent, big road games are a lot of fun,” Nussmeier said.
Twenty-three points is the most LSU has scored against an FBS opponent. They will likely need to score at least that many against the Commodores, who are averaging 43 points a game, which ranks seventh best in the country.