OXFORD, Miss. — Garrett Nussmeier dropped back to pass on second and 4.
LSU needed to score. Trailing Ole Miss 17-7 in the third quarter, fifth-year senior wide receiver Chris Hilton was wide-open streaking down the right sideline. This was the Tigers’ opportunity to put points on the board.
In years past, this would have been an easy touchdown for LSU. But that wasn’t the case. Nussmeier underthrew the pass intended for Hilton. The play resulted in a pass interference call against Ole Miss, and eventually led to a 39-yard field goal, but it could have been much more.
The throw was emblematic of what has been a frustrating start to the season for Nussmeier, who has been dealing with a torso injury since the preseason. LSU coach Brian Kelly mentioned the ailment after LSU’s win over Florida in Week 3, but said on Saturday that he’s 100%.
“Look, all I can tell you is (this), he’s healthy,” Kelly said. “And again, I think he would tell you — just like Tyree Adams would tell you, just like Chris Hilton would tell you, Bauer Sharp would tell you — we need to play better and more consistent on the offensive side of the ball.”
Nussmeier was also asked about his health after the game and declined to comment on the matter.
“I’m not going to answer any questions about my health right now, currently,” Nussmeier said. Right now, obviously, I’m frustrated about the loss, and we’re going to get back and watch the tape. Find ways to get better.”
LSU lost 24-19 to Ole Miss on Saturday, and Nussmeier’s struggles played a large part in the defeat.
The fifth-year senior completed 21-of-34 passes for 197 yards. He only completed two passes of more than 20 yards and connected with receivers on just half of his final 12 throws of the game.
Among his mistakes was an interception he threw with 14:16 left in the first half. With LSU driving in Ole Miss territory and leading 7-3, Nussmeier’s pass intended for senior wide receiver Barion Brown was intercepted by Wydell Williams at the Rebels’ 12-yard line.
“I’m going to bang my head on the wall about it for a while,” Nussmeier said, “but, as I said, we’ve got to move on.”
Physically, he seemed hobbled throughout the night, getting up gingerly and moving slowly after getting hit.
“The quarterback is going to get micromanaged when you lose games,” Kelly said. “I get that.”
Nussmeier’s physical status wasn’t the only thing that plagued LSU’s offense against the Rebels. The Tigers only ran the ball for 57 yards on 22 carries. Their receivers had trouble getting open downfield. On third down, they only converted twice.
But for LSU’s offense to reach its potential, it needs a healthy Nussmeier. He was the second-year starter expected to follow in the footsteps of Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow.