One should learn to give innovative coaching advice from Brian Kelly. Because the energy in Death Valley is all about doing less, but doing it correctly. Kelly, a man who’s always got a quip up his sleeve, is facing one of the most interesting seasons of his Tigers tenure. And at the center of every fan’s huddle-talk? Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. The “Nuss Bus” is revving up, ready to rumble through SEC defenses like a Mardi Gras parade on a mission.
Last season, with 4,052 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and a habit for fourth-quarter comebacks, he proved he’s got an arm as lively as the Cajun music in Baton Rouge. But he also had those risky moments with interceptions and some erratic decision-making. And so amid LSU’s fall camp practice, Brian Kelly, ever the straight-shooter, made it clear. This year, it’s about eliminating the catastrophic.
“His worst play needs to be zero, you know, and that’s okay, you know, zero’s okay,” Kelly said during the fall camp press conference. “We can live with zero. What we can’t live with is, you know, catastrophic mistakes, and I think you have to live through that to know what your limits are.” If you’ve followed LSU’s camp so far, the story playing out is less about highlight throws and more about what doesn’t make the reel. Those “catastrophic mistakes” Kelly keeps referencing. That’s not code for playing scared; it’s Kelly’s way of saying experience has taught Nussmeier his limits. Progress is about knowing when to throw it away, take a sack, or settle for nothing rather than forcing something disastrous.
Saved by Zero?@LSUfootball head coach Brain Kelly says no gain can sometimes be a good thing for quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.
“His worst play needs to zero. And that’s ok. Zero is ok. We can live with zero.” #LSU pic.twitter.com/v3GQiA5S0h
— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) July 31, 2025
For instance, let’s take the Florida-LSU matchup from last season. Nussmeier faced relentless pressure from Florida’s defensive line, getting sacked seven times. It is a huge spike considering LSU had only allowed six sacks all season before that game. One sack, in particular, came when George Gumbs Jr. tackled Nussmeier for a 5-yard loss deep in LSU territory. That swung the momentum decisively to the Gators. Florida capitalized quickly after that. By scoring a touchdown to take the lead and never looking back. The Tigers showed how these mistakes had a ripple effect on the Tigers’ chances. More telling than the sacks, though, were Nussmeier’s decisions when he had chances to make big plays but played it too safe. Film breakdowns reveal that.
Brian Kelly isn’t looking over Nussmeier’s shoulder for flashes of brilliance anymore. He wants poise and smart game management. In his latest pressers, Kelly pointed to the quarterback’s growth both mentally and physically. “The way he’s led, the confidence that he plays with, I think we are in store for some great things from him.” What’s got people fired up is the explosion happening all over the field. In recent practices, Nussmeier and his deep receiver crew picked up exactly where they left off at the end of last season.
You know, the chunk plays, defensive backs playing catch-up, and a feeling that a touchdown is just one snap away. He’s unloading passes to a stacked group that includes speedsters like Barion Brown and veteran Chris Hilton Jr.. Plus, a whole stable of new targets brought in specifically to push this attack into overdrive. Defenders are on their heels, and the pace? “Relentless” doesn’t even cover it. There’s a quiet confidence in how this group operates. After leading the SEC in attempts last year, Nuss is more poised, he’s shifting protections, calling out audibles, and hitting his guys in stride. So, heading into 2025, the unwritten rule in the QB room is clear. The explosive plays will come, but LSU’s title hopes depend on Nussmeier’s ability to keep the lows from getting too low.
Can Garrett Nussmeier step up under pressure?
LSU fans hope Garrett Nussmeier will follow the footsteps of LSU legends like Joe Burrow. He turned a solid first year into a Heisman-winning, national championship season, setting a crazy high bar. But making that leap from good to great is a mountain that few QBs conquer. Matt Flynn, the 2007 LSU national champ QB, who also starred in the NFL, laid it out bluntly on a recent podcast.
He said, “The year one to year two jump is always the biggest, widest gap that they can jump in their career. So, if it doesn’t happen in that one to two years, it likely won’t happen or might not happen.” Flynn’s not worried about Garrett’s arm or highlight throws; those are already there. It boils down to consistency and cutting out the bad plays. Last season, Nussmeier dazzled with over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns, but also led the SEC with 12 interceptions. That includes a brutal three-pick game against Texas A&M that stung LSU’s playoff hopes.
Flynn said Garrett can’t let the offense sputter or blow a series with those “catastrophic mistakes.” He needs to be the steady QB who leads the offense to finish strong on critical downs. And especially in short-yardage and red zone situations, where LSU struggled dearly in 2024. Garrett himself knows this is the focus. He’s talked openly about wanting to use his legs more, take care of the football better, and learn from last year’s difficulties. At the end of the day, if Nussmeier wants to join the LSU QB pantheon alongside Burrow and Jayden Daniels, the message is loud and clear. 2025 is his make-or-break year.
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