Garrett Nussmeier credits teammates for ReliaQuest Bowl success: 'We did it together'

It isn’t easy to sit in the shadow of a Heisman. However, it’s even more difficult to cast the same shadow when given the chance. LSU backup quarterback Garrett Nussmeier looked excellent in his first career start.

In LSU’s 35-31 win over Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl, Nussmeier completed 31-of-his-45 passes for 395 yards and three touchdowns while only throwing one interception. After the triumph, Nussmeier remained humble.

“I didn’t carry the team on my back. We did it together,” Nussmeier said. “It started two weeks ago in bowl prep. First, I’d like to say God is good. His timing is always right. I feel really good right now and I feel really bless and that’s all because of Him.”

The win was a back-and-forth affair. Wisconsin hopped out to an early 14-0 lead while Nussmeier still got comfortable. However, when the redshirt sophomore found his footing, he didn’t hesitate to sprint, outscoring the Badgers 21-10 in the second half.

Nussmeier was particularly impressive on LSU’s game-winning drive. With six minutes left in the fourth quarter and down 31-28, Nussmeier led LSU on a 98-yard march to the end zone. He completed the offensive clinic with a four-yard touchdown pass to Brian Thomas Jr.

Despite his heroic effort, Nussmeier refused to take credit.

“We did a great job communicating and making sure we were in the right protection. We were in the right play,” Nussmeier said. “The O-line did a great job giving me time. Like I said earlier this week, we’ve got guys that can make plays and it’s just giving them an opportunity to do so. The coach has put us in the right position to make the plays.”

Garrett Nussmeier receives the keys

Nussmeier’s performance is a promising sign for LSU, who will lose Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels to the 2024 NFL Draft. LSU was not aggressively hunting a quarterback in the portal, only adding Vanderbilt’s AJ Swann. Instead, the team has laid its chips on Nussmeier.

After today’s performance, it looks like LSU made a smart bet. Earlier this week, head coach Brian Kelly confirmed Nussmeier is LSU’s quarterback of the future.

“He’s got the keys to the car going forward in ’24,” Kelly said. “The offense, he knows it well. He’ll be able to do the things that we need to do offensively, run it, throw it, do the things that are necessary to be a championship football team.”