Billy Napier: Florida will prepare for both Jayden Daniels, Garrett Nussmeier against LSU

Florida handed Arkansas their first conference win of the season this past weekend, falling to the Razorbacks at home in a 39-36 overtime loss. The Gators now shift their focus to their next opponent, LSU, who like the Florida will be looking to bounce back in Week 11 after falling to Alabama on Saturday.

The Tigers boast one of the most high-powered offenses in the entire country, but the engine of their offense, quarterback Jayden Daniels, left their last game with an injury. Garrett Nussmeier finished out LSU’s last game under center for the offense, and ahead of their matchup with the Tigers, Florida head coach Billy Napier spoke on the possibility of facing either quarterback.

“I think Nussmeier obviously has been a very productive player as well, I think if you really dig into the tape when he’s been given opportunities he’s done a nice job moving their team,” Napier said. “I think we’ll prepare for both, they’re definitely different players, but they’re both very capable.”

Daniels is in the midst of a stellar season for LSU, ranking within the top five in the nation in passing yards and touchdowns this year throwing for 2,792 yards and 27 touchdowns. But his ability to make magic happen with his legs is where he separates himself from the pack, also rushing for 684 yards and six scores on the ground this season.

He’s been a big part of LSU’s offense ranking atop the SEC this season in points and yards per game, but a hit by Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner in the fourth quarter on Saturday now has the Tigers’ dual-threat star in concussion protocol and listed as day-to-day according to LSU head coach Brian Kelly on Monday.

Nussmeir finished the Alabama game for the Tigers in Daniels’ absence, completing five of his 10 pass attempts for 53 yards, marking his 16th game appearance in his three years at LSU. He’s thrown for 1,325 yards, eight touchdowns, and six interceptions in his career with LSU and was lauded this offseason for his development and ability to push Daniels for the starting job.

But the weapons that would surround either quarterback is what stands out to Napier regardless of who’s under center this Saturday.

“And I think ultimately, I think they both do a nice job distributing the ball to the skill they have. This group of receivers, the backs, the tight end, and I think the offensive line. That why they’re one of the best offenses, if not the best offense in the entire country at this point,” Napier said. “Appreciate the question about LSU.”

Florida and LSU square off this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET in a game airing on SEC Network.