Only South Carolina has managed to sack LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier through six games. In their matchup, defensive end Kyle Kennard recorded one solo sack and teamed up with linebacker Bam Martin-Scott for another, but LSU still rallied from a 17-point deficit to defeat the Gamecocks 36-33 on Sept. 14.
These are the only two sacks LSU has allowed all season. Despite Ole Miss leading the SEC with 24 sacks, they left last Saturday’s game against LSU with the same total, as LSU staged another comeback to win 29-26 in overtime.
“We’re really good at protecting Nussmeier,” LSU Coach Brian Kelly said. “We’re exceptional pass blockers.” This protection is bolstered by an offensive line with a combined 128 career starts, led by preseason All-American left tackle Will Campbell and right guard Miles Frazier, both with 31 starts each.
Ranked No. 8, LSU (5-1, 2-0 SEC) aims to maintain that level of protection when they face Arkansas this Saturday. In their victory over Ole Miss, LSU didn’t take the lead until the final play, when Nussmeier connected with Kyren Lacy for a game-winning touchdown pass in overtime, resulting in a 25-yard score.
Nussmeier also threw a 23-yard touchdown to Aaron Anderson with 23 seconds left in regulation, tying the game at 23-23 after Kelly opted for an extra point rather than a risky 2-point conversion. LSU linebacker Whit Weeks, SEC Defensive Player of the Week with 18 tackles, was pleased with the decision, saying, “I was glad to play more football.”
The win over then-No. 9 Ole Miss moved LSU up in the AP poll and improved their playoff chances. Nussmeier, who completed 22 of 51 passes for 337 yards and three touchdowns, earned SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors. His final two completions, both touchdowns, brought his SEC-leading total to 18 for the season.
This is Nussmeier’s first year as a starter, following in the footsteps of former Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. Kelly praised Nussmeier’s development, calling the Ole Miss game a “growth moment” for the junior.
While LSU’s passing game, led by top receiver Kyren Lacy and tight end Mason Taylor, has been prolific, their run game has struggled, averaging only 123.3 rushing yards per game. Coach Kelly acknowledged the need to improve in that area but remains optimistic.
On the defensive side, Bradyn Swinson, named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week, led LSU with two sacks against Ole Miss. The defense held the Rebels to three field goals in the second half and overtime, sacking quarterback Jaxson Dart six times. Kelly credited defensive coordinator Blake Baker for his varied defensive schemes, which kept Ole Miss off balance throughout the game.
LSU has won five straight games since their opening loss to Southern Cal, and Kelly is proud of his team’s resilience and belief in their ability to win tough games. “When you believe you’re going to win, you just keep fighting,” he said.