Garrett Nussmeier #13 of the LSU Tigers
In the regular season finale, the LSU Tigers find themselves locked in a tense 7-7 tie with the Oklahoma Sooners, but the storyline quickly shifted from the action on the field to a serious injury suffered by quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. The young signal-caller, who has been central to LSU’s offensive success this season, took a brutal hit early in the second quarter that left him clutching his shoulder in pain.
It all started when Nussmeier dropped back to pass, only to be blindsided by Oklahoma’s defense. Will Campbell, LSU’s standout left tackle, failed to pick up the rusher, and Nussmeier was leveled, resulting in a fumble that Oklahoma scooped up and returned for a touchdown.
But the worst was yet to come.
Following that hit, Nussmeier remained down on the turf, visibly in pain as he grabbed at his shoulder. The medical staff quickly rushed to his aid, and after a few moments of evaluation, Nussmeier was helped off the field and escorted into the medical tent for further assessment. It was clear from the onset that the injury was severe enough to sideline him for the rest of the game.
The Fallout: AJ Swann Takes Over
As Nussmeier left the field without his pads and headed into the locker room with the training staff, LSU fans were left wondering what would come next. Enter AJ Swann.
Swann, a transfer from Vanderbilt, was thrust into action in place of Nussmeier, marking yet another pivotal moment in his LSU career. Swann had filled in for Nussmeier earlier in the season when he was sidelined briefly against Florida, and now he would have the spotlight again with the Tigers’ bowl hopes on the line.
This is exactly why head coach Brian Kelly and his staff made the decision to bring in a quarterback like Swann: his experience gives LSU a steady hand when their starter goes down. Having a seasoned player ready to step in when needed is invaluable in these high-stakes situations.
But while Swann’s presence offers a sense of security, it also raises important questions about LSU’s quarterback depth moving forward. With Nussmeier’s injury, LSU now has the perfect opportunity to take a longer look at other quarterbacks in the program, namely true freshman Rickie Collins and highly touted recruit Colin Hurley.
What Does This Mean for the Quarterback Room?
While Swann’s experience is crucial for keeping LSU’s offense afloat in this game, the injury to Nussmeier also creates an unexpected chance for the coaching staff to evaluate the other quarterbacks in the mix. With the team’s playoff hopes now hanging in the balance, there is still some value in getting a good look at Collins and Hurley, especially as LSU heads into the offseason and looks to the future.
Rickie Collins, a freshman who saw limited action earlier this season, has shown flashes of potential. His ability to step in and command the offense could be key as LSU looks to secure a future quarterback of the future. Colin Hurley, another highly regarded freshman, could also get some opportunities to showcase his talent, though he remains a bit further down the depth chart.
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Nussmeier’s Future at Stake
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Nussmeier’s injury isn’t just the immediate impact on LSU’s season but what it could mean for his future. The sophomore had been building momentum as a potential NFL Draft prospect, and a serious shoulder injury could severely impact his draft stock or his timeline for declaring for the draft.
For LSU, this injury could affect the team’s trajectory for the rest of the season. While they’ve had their fair share of ups and downs, Nussmeier has been a steady presence at quarterback, and his absence could leave a glaring hole in the offense. Swann is a capable replacement, but the Tigers will undoubtedly feel the void left by their starting quarterback.
The Big Picture
As LSU faces Oklahoma in this pivotal game, the immediate focus is on the recovery of Nussmeier and how the offense will adjust without him. But looking beyond this season, the injury gives LSU an important glimpse into its quarterback future. Whether or not Nussmeier returns to finish the season or if Swann continues to lead the offense, the time spent evaluating Collins and Hurley will likely be crucial as the Tigers make long-term decisions at the quarterback position.
In the meantime, LSU and its fans can only hope that Nussmeier’s injury isn’t as serious as it initially appeared, and that the quarterback’s NFL aspirations aren’t derailed in the final moments of his college career. For now, though, all eyes will be on AJ Swann to see if he can keep the Tigers in the hunt as they navigate a tense finish against Oklahoma.
