LSU's Garrett Nussmeier talks opportunity to start bowl game

LSU’s Heisman Trophy winner has opted out of the ReliaQuest Bowl vs. Wisconsin, opening the door for redshirt sophomore quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to make the first start of his college career on Jan. 1 in Tampa, Florida.

Nussmeier has waited his time behind Jayden Daniels the past two years, patiently waiting for his opportunity, which he hopes will be 2024, but begins with this bowl game.

The Tigers’ starting quarterback talked with the media on Thursday afternoon and discussed what it’s like now that he’s finally at the helm at LSU. Here’s everything he said.

On waiting for his time at LSU

“It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve been trusting in God and trusting in God’s plan for me. Sometimes you want things and it may not come when you want it but God has the right timing, so it’s about trusting in him and letting it happen when it was supposed to happen.”

Moments of self doubt

“There were a lot of moments like that. When you prepare to play in a game, I take a lot of pride in the way I prepare as if I was going to play in every game we went into. Then when the clock went to zero and I didn’t play, it was hard, but the easiest thing was if we won the game I was happy. Now it’s my opportunity to play and I’m excited about that, but it’s the same goal: Win the football game.”

Adjusting to the speed of the game

“I wouldn’t say the speed of the game [is a concern]. I’ve gotten enough reps to where I’ve experienced it. That Georgia defense in the SEC Championship was about as fast as it’s going to get. They’re one of the best defenses in a long time. I’m just excited. It’s just going to be about leading this offense and doing my job.”

How comforting is the offensive line at LSU?

“It’s really comforting. I trust those guys up front. You got two All-American tackles and they;ve been nothing but a joy to be around, that whole group. They work hard every single day and they support me every step of the way.”

Playing with Jayden Daniels

“The most I appreciate about him was how we pushed each other to be great every single day. That’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my career, just having to be good every single day, especially when we completed two years ago in the fall. It taught me to approach every rep and every practice as if it was a game. I’m really happy for him and he was the best player in college football and he deserved that trophy.”

Young WRs

“Those guys have done a great job. Shelton, Parker, Pimpton, Brown, and all those guys have done a great job and they have a lot of really good role models to look up to. They’ve made strides and I’m excited to get to work with them this offseason.”

What was the LSU vs. Alabama game like for you?

“I wish I could have it back and make a couple different reads and different throws, but it is what it is. Things don’t go your way sometimes. It was a good experience from me and I learned a lot from it and I’m excited to get that opportunity back.”

On improving without playing time…

“My relationship with coach Sloan has helped me a lot. He pushes me to be the very best version of myself every single day and the best part of him is that he believes in me, so when he gets on me it just says I have no off reps because he knows the level I should be playing at, so it’s great for me.”

Do you ever look back and question not leaving LSU last year?

“No, I never questioned it. I knew this was the place I wanted to be. I wanted to represent this university and it was just about waiting on the timing. I wanted to push and get better and better and wait for my time, so I’m really excited.”

LSU’s addition of A.J. Swann…

“It’s great for our room and I’m excited for him to get here.”

“I don’t know what I’m allowed to say, but yes, I knew [they were looking at adding a transfer portal quarterback].”

On getting the opportunity…

“It’s been a long three years trying to stay patient and trust in the plan, trust in the process, trust in God’s plan. It’s a weird feeling, but I’m very excited. I’m more excited to get out there and play my best and show people what I can do and that I can lead this offense to its maximum potential.”