As of now, Garrett Nussmeier’s position on LSU’s passing leaderboard for a single season in 2024 is something that will develop throughout the season, depending on his performance, the team’s success, and the overall competition within the SEC and college football. But to give you a comprehensive perspective, I will provide an overview of what it could look like based on historical trends, Nussmeier’s potential, and his past performances.
Background on LSU’s Passing Leaders
Louisiana State University (LSU) has a storied football history, especially when it comes to its quarterback play. The Tigers have had several standout quarterbacks who not only led the team to national championships but also put up impressive individual statistics. LSU’s passing leaderboard for a single season is often a mix of historical and recent performances, reflecting a balance between passing yards, touchdowns, and completions.
Some of the key names in LSU’s quarterback history include:
- Joe Burrow (2019) – Burrow’s record-breaking 2019 season was arguably the greatest season by any quarterback in college football history. He passed for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns, leading LSU to a national championship. This season catapulted Burrow to the top of multiple LSU passing records.
- JaMarcus Russell (2006-2007) – Russell, a former No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, set LSU records for passing yards and touchdowns during his time in Baton Rouge. He threw for over 3,000 yards in both his 2006 and 2007 seasons, which was exceptional for LSU at the time.
- Matt Mauck (2003) – Mauck led LSU to a national championship and had an impressive passing season, though his numbers didn’t match those of more recent quarterbacks like Burrow. Still, his performance was crucial to LSU’s success.
- Rohan Davey (2000) – Davey had one of the best passing seasons in LSU history in 2000, passing for over 3,000 yards and 20+ touchdowns. He was one of the earlier quarterbacks to bring high-level passing numbers to LSU.
As we look at these performances, it’s important to note the evolution of LSU’s offensive system. Historically, LSU was known more for its ground-and-pound style of play, with a strong emphasis on running backs and defense. However, as the team entered the 21st century, particularly in the 2000s and 2010s, LSU began to embrace a more pass-heavy offense, culminating in the revolution led by Joe Burrow and offensive coordinator Joe Brady in 2019.
Garrett Nussmeier: The Rising Star
Garrett Nussmeier is a rising star for LSU, and his potential to climb LSU’s passing leaderboard in 2024 is immense. A highly-touted recruit out of the state of Texas, Nussmeier has been one of the most anticipated quarterbacks at LSU since arriving on campus. His ability to throw the ball deep, combined with his mobility and strong arm, gives him the tools to make a major impact in 2024 and beyond.
1. Nussmeier’s 2023 Performance
Before we dive into Nussmeier’s potential for 2024, it’s important to look at his 2023 season. During the 2023 season, Nussmeier played a backup role to Jayden Daniels, who was LSU’s starting quarterback and had a Heisman-caliber season. However, Nussmeier still managed to showcase his skills, with a few notable performances.
For example, in the game against Georgia in the SEC Championship, Nussmeier was called into action due to an injury to Daniels. He showed flashes of brilliance, throwing for over 250 yards in a high-pressure situation. His decision-making was solid, and while he didn’t have the chance to lead LSU to a championship in 2023, the experience gave him invaluable game time that could pay dividends in 2024.
2. The 2024 Season Outlook
Heading into the 2024 season, Nussmeier is expected to be LSU’s starting quarterback, barring any changes to the depth chart. With a year of learning from Daniels and having significant reps in practice and games, Nussmeier will likely be more polished and ready to take over the offense.
The expectations for Nussmeier in 2024 are high. LSU’s offense under head coach Brian Kelly is likely to continue to be pass-oriented, given the emergence of star wide receivers like Malik Nabers, as well as strong offensive line play. Nussmeier’s ability to stretch the field with deep passes will be a critical asset to the team.
If Nussmeier stays healthy and plays to his potential, he could very well find himself on LSU’s passing leaderboard for a single season, potentially challenging for the top spots in several categories.
Factors Influencing Nussmeier’s Position on the Passing Leaderboard
Several factors will determine how high Nussmeier climbs on LSU’s single-season passing leaderboard in 2024:
1. Offensive Scheme and Support
One of the biggest factors influencing Nussmeier’s success will be the offensive system employed by Brian Kelly and his staff. In recent years, LSU has transitioned to a more modern offense that heavily involves the passing game, and 2024 should be no different. With the right offensive play calling, Nussmeier’s potential to throw for a large number of yards and touchdowns could be realized.
Additionally, LSU’s receiving corps, led by a player like Malik Nabers, is one of the strongest in the SEC. If Nussmeier can establish chemistry with his receivers and get consistent protection from his offensive line, he’ll have the opportunity to put up significant numbers.
2. Competition from Other SEC Teams
The SEC is one of the toughest conferences in college football, and Nussmeier will be facing some of the best defenses in the country. How well he performs against SEC opponents will be crucial to his position on LSU’s passing leaderboard. Strong performances in marquee games against teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Texas A&M could boost his overall stats, while challenging defenses could provide a setback.
3. Health and Durability
Injuries can often derail a quarterback’s season, and this could be a potential factor for Nussmeier in 2024. Staying healthy throughout the season will be critical if Nussmeier is to reach the upper echelons of LSU’s passing rankings.
4. Support from the Running Game
While LSU has become more pass-oriented, a strong running game can make a quarterback’s job easier by creating play-action opportunities and alleviating pressure. If LSU’s running back committee, led by players like Josh Williams or the incoming recruits, can provide a consistent ground game, it could open up more opportunities for Nussmeier to pass efficiently.
Nussmeier’s Potential 2024 Season Statistics
In order to project Nussmeier’s position on LSU’s passing leaderboard, we can compare his potential 2024 season statistics to the all-time leaders at LSU. Here are some benchmarks based on LSU’s past passing performances:
- Passing Yards – The current single-season passing yardage leader at LSU is Joe Burrow, who threw for 5,671 yards in 2019. While Burrow’s numbers may be out of reach for Nussmeier in his first full starting season, a 4,000-yard season would be a remarkable feat and put him in the conversation with some of LSU’s best quarterbacks.
- Touchdowns – Joe Burrow also holds the single-season record for touchdowns, with 60 in 2019. A more realistic target for Nussmeier might be 30-35 touchdowns, which would place him among LSU’s best.
- Completion Percentage – Historically, LSU quarterbacks have not been known for having exceptionally high completion percentages. A 65% completion rate would be a strong mark for Nussmeier and would indicate a highly efficient passing game.
