How LSU prepares at quarterback with Daniels "day-to-day"
Jayden Daniels’ status for LSU’s game this weekend against Florida is in question as Brian Kelly said his quarterback is “day-to-day” after taking a hit from Alabama’s Dallas Turner early in the fourth quarter that knocked him out of the game.
On Tuesday, Daniels was held out of practice, but still engaged with the team on the sidelines and with the quarterbacks throughout their time. Clarity likely comes from Brian Kelly sometime Wednesday or Thursday, but until then, it’s redshirt sophomore Garrett Nussmeier getting the first team reps to prepare in case Daniels can’t go.
“It’s a day to day process,” wide receiver Kyren Lacy said. “If Jayden can go, he’ll go, but if not Nuss can step in and we’re going to roll. I have the same confidence in Nuss as I do in Jayden. If Jayden can’t go I know he’s going to be there for Nuss.”
Nussmeier was thrown into Saturday’s game against Alabama early in the fourth quarter down 14 points and tasked with trying to lead a touchdown drive cold off the bench. The offense was unable to score on the first attempt, but on their second drive did get down the field and had a chance to get deep inside Tide territory before a dropped fourth down pass.
It was Nussmeier’s first snaps of the season where LSU was in front by a significant margin.
“There was no easing him into it,” offensive lineman Garrett Dellinger said. “It’s hard to ease someone into the fourth quarter down two touchdowns type of drive, but we just had to keep doing what we’ve been doing and so it feels like practice for him. I’d say that’s the easiest way to get him going, is doing what he’s comfortable with.
“We practice with both of them, so practice is like how the game was. One play Jayden is in, then they’ll put Nuss in for a few reps and nothing changes for us. They call the same plays.”
Nussmeier is a different type of quarterback than Daniels, who often uses his legs to get out of tough situations. However, the offense is expected to stay the same even if Nussmeier is the quarterback against Florida.
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Nussmeier is known for his arm strength and willingness to fire passes into tight windows. Last year against Georgia in the SEC Championship game, he put the country on notice, showing what he’s capable of against high-level defenses.
“It’s really the same. They’re both going to give us the ball and give us a great opportunity for yards after catch,” Lacy said. “Both guys can lead us to a win, so it doesn’t matter who goes out there.”
One of the best players in the country, Daniels’ absence would be significant for this team ahead of a rivalry game against Florida, but the concern is also that it could hinder his candidacy for the Heisman Trophy.
For Dellinger, and the rest of LSU fans, the hope is that would not be the case if he misses one game.
“He’s been playing lights out for the last nine weeks,” Dellinger said. “Compare his stats to anyone else’s stats. There’s no reason to penalize someone for being hurt.”
