Even reporters at SEC Media Days in Dallas on Monday pointed out that Garrett Nussmeier has been in some high-pressure situations.
The LSU quarterback met with the on the first day of the conference’s media days and was asked what did he learn from those moments, specifically the Alabama game at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
“I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to step into some pretty tough situations. I think they’ve only made me better as a player,” he said. “Now getting the experience and the preparation, as well as the starter, I think it will only help even more.
Alabama’s 42-28 win last season looked like a track meet with the halftime score tied 28. Alabama’s Jalen MIlroe and LSU’s Jayden Daniels were putting up Heisman Trophy-type numbers.
The Crimson Tide quarterback rushed for 155 yards and four touchdowns and passed for another 219 yards.
Daniels, meanwhile, passed for 219 yards with two touchdowns, while running for 163 yards and a score.
But Daniels, who won the Heisman Trophy, was hurt on a hard hit from Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner.
Enter Nussmeier, who finished 5 of 10 for 53 yards.
“That experience at Alabama, the SEC Championship against Georgia, the end of the game against Auburn,” he said, “I’ve been thrown into some tough situations, but it’s only made me better and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. And even the times when I failed, just learning from them, and hopefully just continuing as always to just try and push better.”
Now, LSU coach Brian Kelly said he handing the keys to the offense to Nussmeier.
“When you’re the No. 2, it’s kind of like a rental,” Kelly said. “You don’t care if you ding it up or get a dent here. ... You’re not as careful, I guess. But when you own the car, there’s a sense of pride, you’re very thoughtful in everything you do, and you can see that transformation with Garrett.
“He’s waited for this opportunity to drive this car, and nobody is going to mess with it. Not one player is going to take away the opportunity for it to be successful. He’s not afraid to call somebody out if they’re not doing it the right way.”
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.