If LSU needed a wake-up call, then they got a rude one against Texas A&M. Leading 17-7 in the third quarter, they added just six more to their total to end up losing 38-23. Despite losing only for the second time this season, Brian Kelly and his team are staring at a must-win game against Alabama if they are to keep their playoff hopes alive. Against the Aggies, they were let down by a substandard performance in the offense as familiar failings came to light.

Kelly has been open about his team not running many screens this season. The lack of extra rushers flowing after QB Garrett Nussmeier, means there haven’t been many opportunities to exploit the over-aggressiveness of opposing defenses. In their recent defeat, it was evident that there was too much pressure on Nussmeier to deliver as he struggled with three interceptions and completed only 25 passes out of 50.

Addressing the media on November 5, ahead of their showdown against Alabama, Nussmeier was asked about how things turned upside down against Texas A&M and whether the offense did something to confuse him. Nussmeier answered, “Obviously we weren’t the same team in the first half that we were in the second half and I think that just breaks down to execution and you know obviously like I said after the game, I made some mistakes and gave them a chance to catch momentum and turn the ball over.”

The QB was questioned about how he would get his confidence back after a tough week that saw his side capitulate in the second half. He mentioned, “I think for one you know my confidence is in God. You know, just my trust in Him and I’ve mentioned you know how much he played a part in me staying here and things like that. But you know my identity isn’t also as an LSU football player, it’s a son of Christ and so that you know that affects me on a day-to-day basis. I have no fear I have no doubts no worries because I know I trust in him and what his plans are for me.”

See, from a stats perspective, he didn’t do much bad. Even if you talk about the Aggies game, Nussmeier still went for 405 yards with 2 touchdowns under his belt. The QB’s admission of his own shortcomings is refreshing, but that shouldn’t exempt the rest of the offense from scrutiny. During many times in the game, there was just too much for Nussmeier to do. The run game from the Tigers was nonexistent with a total of 24 rushing yards, and it was up to Nussmeier to salvage what he could.

Every time, he had the ball he missed the support of a strong team and couldn’t rely on running plays. As such it became easy for the Aggies’ defense to handle him. He was rushed in the pocket and forced into hasty decisions that led to his three interceptions. Even his coach believed that the offense needed to do more to support him.

“I don’t think we give him enough balance within the offense. It makes him vulnerable because he has to do so much,” Brian Kelly said. Nussmeier managed to grab over 2600 yards along with 20 touchdowns under his belt. However, then came the Aggies showdown. Nussmeier started the season already under the cosh and had big shoes to fill when he replaced Jayden Daniels.

He had to wait three seasons to become a starter at LSU and it was believed that his chances to make the NFL after his junior year were slim.  ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. mentioned, “Garrett Nussmeier, LSU one-year starter, needs to go back.” Kiper Jr. placed Nussmeier at 7th in his QB rankings at the start of this month and thought he and a few others should go back and “get as much collegiate experience as you can.”

Nussmeier’s three interceptions and low conversion against Texas A&M did little to dispel that notion. He along with his teammates suffered in the game. This will do little good for Nussmeier’s confidence, which could be the key when it comes to his next performances, LSU’s playoff hopes and his subsequent chances in the NFL draft.

With the Bama game on the horizon, Nussmeier’s decline in performance can cost LSU a shot at the playoff. Brian Kelly and Co. are already standing on the edge after their latest loss and if Crimson Tide manages to snag a win, then the playoff dream is pretty much over.

However, Nussmeier ain’t the only one having it rough right now. The only saving grace his sudden decline in performance has been showing up recently. Jalen Milroe, on the other hand, well, that’s a whole different story.

Rough times for Bama quarterback Jalen Milroe

Oh well, the good old Tide. Kalen DeBoer and Co. started the year quite strongly. The biggest win on their resume has to be the Dawgs game. These guys managed to run a stamped over Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs went 0 in the entire first quarter. Now, here comes the twist. Something happened and Milroe wasn’t in the same shape anymore in the 2nd half. Georgia quickly got the lead and almost even won the game if it wasn’t for Ryan Williams’ beautiful touchdown run.

People shrugged it off cause, after all, the Tide had just beaten their biggest rival, right? Then comes the Vandy loss and the decline in Milroe’s performance is so visible. Kiper, during his interview, had also pointed out, “Jalen Milroe Alabama needs to go back, okay?” This is not good for Milroe and his future in college football.

The entire bye-week happened at the right time. Milroe needed this free time to recover and get his bearings together cause if he continues to perform in the same subpar way then NFL drafts will end up becoming a distant dream and no senior QB wants that on their resume.

Back on The Next Round, Josh Pate did give Milroe a heads-up by showing his support for the QB. However, at the end of the day, it will all boil down to if Milroe can bring on his 100%. We cannot wait for this LSU and Bama showdown next weekend.