With its defense hemorrhaging, LSU needs quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to be perfect. He’s been pretty close against UCLA on Saturday.
The junior quarterback gave the Tigers a 14-10 in a back-and-forth first half against the Bruins, who entered this Week 4 game as a 21.5-point road underdog.
Nussmeier threw a perfect pass on a 45-yard touchdown to wide receiver Kyle Parker less than one minute into the second quarter.
He had a clean pocket to throw from and hit Parker — who was sprinting down the sideline with a defender running alongside him — in stride before Parker tumbled into the end zone for six.
Nussmeier finished the first half 14-of-20 for 164 yards and two touchdowns, continuing his impressive start to the season.
Through three games this season, Nussmeier was 81-of-116 (69.8%) for 895 yards, an SEC-high 10 touchdowns and two interceptions.
Despite his strong start, LSU has been unconvincing in beginning the season 2-1. The defense hasn’t been playoff-caliber and that trend continued in the first half against UCLA (1-1). The Bruins entered Saturday 126th in scoring (14.5 points per game) but posted 17 at the half in a tied game.
UCLA averaged 290.5 yards in games against Hawaii (1-2) and Indiana (4-0). It has 206 through two quarters against LSU.
Nussmeier needs a couple more big-time throws like his one to Parker for the Tigers to avoid a massive upset.
