Ed Orgeron explains decision to go with two-quarterback system

The Ed Orgeron era in Baton Rouge has three more games remaining. While it’s known LSU will have a new head coach on the sidelines next season, Orgeron is being allowed to finish out the season.

What we don’t know is who will be the main Tiger quarterback going forward. Max Johnson has been the starter for most of the season but true freshman Garrett Nussmeier has been pushing for playing time. However, Orgeron said he has been wary of getting Nussmeier into games, wanting to protect his redshirt.

After not getting snaps against Alabama on Saturday, the Texas native was “mad he didn’t play” according to the head coach. Now, heading into Arkansas week, Nussmeier’s wishes seems as if it will be granted.

“I had talked to his father Doug, who I respect a lot,” Orgeron said. “We had talked on Thursday, they had to be snaps that were significant and that if we put [Nussmeier] in, he’s going to play the rest of the year. I didn’t feel like it was the time to throw him in there for a couple of plays and then us burn his redshirt year, I didn’t want to do that to him. He came into the office yesterday and was adamant about playing. His father called Jake and said ‘he listen, here’s the plan. He wants to play, let him play.’ So that’s what we’re doing. Obviously, right now, it looks like he may not redshirt, depends how the game goes, but that’s his choice and that’s what he wants to do.”

On the season, Nussmeier has played in three games (McNeese State, Central Michigan, and Ole Miss), throwing for 150 yards and one touchdown. His completion percentage is just over 42%.

Ed Orgeron talks Max Johnson

Orgeron says just because Nussmeier will get significant playing time does not mean Johnson’s season is over. He’s had a decent year as the starter, throwing for over 2,000 yards while having 22 touchdowns and six interceptions.

The head coach laid out what Johnson has done well at times, but said he could improve reading defenses.

“You know, Max has done very well taking some hits. He’s completed some balls, he’s hung in there like a man. Sometimes, he does hold the ball too long.

“With Max, it is mechanics sometimes but it is a matter of his proper reads, where should he go according to the coverage. Sometimes he’s doing it right, sometimes he’s doing it wrong.

According to the official LSU depth chart, Johnson is still listed as the starter. However, there has been healthy competition throughout the week of practice according to the head coach.

“They’re competing,” Orgeron said. “Both of them are doing well. There’s an open competition, you can tell the intensity has been raised up a little bit.”

Going up against Arkansas at 7:30 p.m. EST, Johnson and Nussmeier will both play important snaps throughout the game.