Fl. Tampa - In Monday's ReliaQuest Bowl, LSU's redshirt sophomore quarterback Garrett Nussmeier led the Tigers' offense to a 35-31 victory over Wisconsin, despite being backed into their own end zone. The drive lasted eight plays and 98 yards.
In the first two seasons under Brian Kelly, the Tigers won 10 games in a row courtesy to a sack by Greg Penn III, who also forced a fumble on downs with 31 seconds remaining to tie the score.
After the game, Kelly stated, "I think it really stabilizes the program." The three main goals for us have been hiring, training, and keeping employees. With a score of 3–9, that's not possible. A lot of people take notice when you have consecutive 10-win seasons—especially when you add in bowl victories on top of that.
The 14-point comeback that LSU accomplished on Saturday was the greatest in program history. In two earlier games in 1968, one in the Sugar Bowl (1/1/1968) and the other in the Peach Bowl (12/30/1968), LSU came back from a 13-0 deficit to defeat Florida State, 31-27.
In his first start of the season, Nussmeier completed 31 of 45 passes for 395 yards and three touchdowns, while also throwing an interception. Tigers fans may have had a glimpse of what's to come from their quarterback. As the stakes were high and there was plenty of green grass ahead, the native of Lake Charles stepped up to the challenge.
Kelly praised Nussmeier's composure and ability to handle pressure, saying it was indicative of a player who would only improve with game time.
Malik Nabers established the program record for receiving yards after catching an 11-yard ball in the first quarter. That reception gave him 3,004 career yards, breaking Josh Reed's 1999-2001 record of 3,001. Nabers played one half, catching three passes for 23 yards.
In the second half, LSU's defense produced crucial stops. Veteran safety Major Burns led the team with 13 tackles, while freshman Whit Weeks had eight, Andre Sam and Penn III each had seven. Mekhi Wingo had a great game with three tackles and two sacks.
Linebacker Harold Perkins scored the Tigers' first offensive touchdown of 2024 on a 1-yard rush in the first quarter, as well as four tackles and a QB hurry.
Coach Kelly has stressed that great athletes must be consistent. Back-to-back 10-win seasons help the Tigers compete for crowns.
“A team that’s won 20 games in two years,” Kelly remarked. Has a solid understanding of LSU Football expectations. This squad should compete for titles every year.”