With its protection hemorrhaging, LSU wants quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to be good. He is been fairly shut in opposition to UCLA on Saturday.
The junior quarterback gave the Tigers a 14-10 in a back-and-forth first half in opposition to the Bruins, who entered this Week 4 recreation as a 21.5-point road underdog.
Nussmeier threw an ideal go on a 45-yard landing to vast receiver Kyle Parker lower than one minute into the second quarter.
He had a clear pocket to throw from and hit Parker — who was sprinting down the sideline with a defender operating alongside him — in stride earlier than Parker tumbled into the tip zone for six.
Nussmeier completed the primary half 14-of-20 for 164 yards and two touchdowns, persevering with his spectacular begin to the season.
By way of three video games this season, Nussmeier was 81-of-116 (69.8%) for 895 yards, an SEC-high 10 touchdowns and two interceptions.
Regardless of his robust begin, LSU has been unconvincing in starting the season 2-1. The protection hasn’t been playoff-caliber and that pattern continued within the first half in opposition to UCLA (1-1). The Bruins entered Saturday 126th in scoring (14.5 factors per recreation) however posted 17 on the half in a tied recreation.
UCLA averaged 290.5 yards in video games in opposition to Hawaii (1-2) and Indiana (4-0). It has 206 by way of two quarters in opposition to LSU.
Nussmeier wants a pair extra big-time throws like his one to Parker for the Tigers to keep away from an enormous upset.