Todd McShay reacts to standout performances by Miller Moss, Garrett Nussmeier
The storyline between LSU and USC coming into Sunday’s Week 1 matchup was that both teams had to replace their respective Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks.
Garrett Nussmeier earned the nod for the Tigers, while Miller Moss made the start for the Trojans. USC would edge LSU 27-20 in the final moments of the game as both quarterbacks proved their worth to their teams.
According to NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay, both Nussmeier and Moss caught his eye during the season-opening contest.
“Just went back to the tape of LSU-USC from last night… what a treat to study,” McShay wrote on Monday. “High, high level QB play. Miller Moss and Garrett Nussmeier (both 22yo) are shining examples for the value of sticking around a program and learning/developing while not in the spotlight.
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“Three things stood out most for both QB’s – decisiveness, onions in the pocket, and outstanding ball placement on tough throws. LSU and USC are in great hands this season!”
Moss, who is in his fourth season on the Trojans’ roster, was able to lead his team to victory having completed 27 of 36 passes for 378 yards and a touchdown. For Nussmeier, also in his fourth season in Baton Rouge, and was just as impressive. He completed 29 of 38 passes for two touchdowns and an interception on Sunday.
Both offenses finished with over 400 total yards and Nussmeier’s interception on the final play of the game for LSU was the only turnover from either team in a game that would come down to the final seconds.
As McShay suggested, perhaps their efforts will pave the way for other young quarterbacks to stick around their program and develop without the transfer portal’s help.
Ultimately, LSU falls to 0-1 for the third time under Brian Kelly. They’ll take on Nicholls in Baton Rouge on Saturday before beginning SEC play on the road against South Carolina on Sept. 14.
For USC, they’re going to host Utah State in the Trojans’ home opener before heading to Ann Arbor for an interested test against the Michigan Wolverines in Week 4. Both USC and LSU are heavy favorites early as Moss and Nussmeier are expected to pick up where they left off in Week 1.