Despite the whirlwind that has been the class of 2024 recruiting and transfer portal cycle, it is still technically bowl season. Right now, coach Brian Kelly and LSU are in the midst of preparation to face Wisconsin on New Year’s Day in the ReliaQuest bowl. Ahead of the highly anticipated matchup, Badgers head coach Luke Fickell shared some thoughts on new starting Tiger quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.
Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell shares thoughts on new starting LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier
Up to this point, one of the primary names to know for LSU opponents has been quarterback Jayden Daniels. It was for good reason too, as he went on to win the Heisman Trophy after destroying opposing defenses all season long.
However, Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell will be tasked with a slightly different challenge in this year’s ReliaQuest bowl. Earlier this week, Daniels announced his decision to opt out of the bowl game, clearing the path for redshirt sophomore Garrett Nussmeier and first career start.
As the Badgers begin to prepare for their matchup with coach Brian Kelly and LSU, coach Luke Fickell took the time to address the media. Starting things off, unsurprisingly, he was asked about the Tiger quarterback situation.
“Well we were waiting to see,” the Wisconsin head coach began with a laugh when asked about quarterback Jayden Daniels opting out of the bowl game.
“Obviously, Nussmeier is a really, really good player too. I know plenty about him. I actually played with his dad for a little bit, a short amount of time, but there are things that are definitely different with a Heisman Trophy winner. I don’t know that the offense changes a whole lot. The dynamic of a legitimate take it the distance quarterback run is a little bit different.
While quarterback Jayden Daniels is largely known for his ability in the running game, Nussmeier is the one known for his cannon of an arm. Over the course of his career thus far, the Lake Charles, LA, native has thrown the ball 174 times for 1,325 yards, eight touchdowns and six interceptions.
“That’s why, I think in some of these situations, bowl games, you’ve kind of got to focus on yourself and the things that you’ve got to do because there could be a lot of different things that you’re seeing out there based on personnel and things like that,” coach Fickell continued. “We’ve been playing for a little while not really knowing, and not that it’s going to adjust a whole lot.
With Nussmeier’s likely first career start vs. Wisconsin, this is a new era for LSU football. You can watch the newly appointed starter in the upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl at 11:00 a.m. CST on New Year’s Day, which will be broadcast live on ESPN2.
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