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Garrett Nussmeier shares what he saw on bowl game-winning play

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•01/10/24•

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NCAA Football: ReliaQuest Bowl-Wisconsin at Louisiana State
Jan 1, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) throws the ball under pressure during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Reliaquest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

With just over three minutes to go in the ReliaQuest Bowl, LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier connected with Brian Thomas for a touchdown. This gave the Tigers a 35-31 lead over Wisconsin and wound up being the game-winning score. A great moment for the program as the future QB connected with somebody leaving for the NFL.

After the game, Nussmeier was asked what he saw on the play but was not willing to give up too much information. He did say the protection needed some changing, causing the play clock to get inside two seconds. Nussmeier gathered the snap, took a couple of steps back, and fired it to Thomas.

Despite having two Wisconsin defenders right on him, Thomas was able to break the plane for the touchdown. Everyone involved with the LSU offense was hyped for the moment.

“I won’t go too into detail to give away our plan,” Nussmeier said. “But I just felt like I needed to make a decision. Change the protection and give BT a chance to win the ball game.”

LSU did wind up getting the ball back but Nussmeier was in victory formation. Wisconsin had its opportunity to win the game but could not move past the LSU 42-yard line. A great stand for the Tigers’ defense after a historically bad season.

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The ReliaQuest Bowl win was No. 10 on the season, making it back-to-back under head coach Brian Kelly. Les Miles is the only other LSU head coach to open his tenure in Baton Rouge with consecutive double-digit win seasons.

Making it three straight is now the goal, with Nussmeier ready to take over the offense.

Garrett Nussmeier ready to take control of LSU offense

Nussmeier has had to be patient for his turn at LSU. After taking a redshirt season as a true freshman, Kelly then brought in Jayden Daniels for 2022. Daniels then decided to come back and rightfully so. He wound up winning the Heisman Trophy and could now be a top-five pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The past three years have been Nussmeier waiting in the balance. Now, his opportunity is here, ready to take control of LSU’s offense.

Beating Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl is a good start. Nussmeier completed 31 of 45 pass attempts, going for 395 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. A great stat line to take into next season, especially after throwing the game-winning touchdown to Thomas.