Garrett Nussmeier gives ultimate praise to star LSU receiver

Garrett Nussmeier looked healthier against South Carolina in Week 8. It's possible he's still batting through the effects of a torso injury, but generally speaking he looked a lot more comfortable against the Gamecocks. Nussmeier completed 20 of his 33 pass attempts for 254 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He did throw two interceptions, which is something that has plagued him throughout his college career. But he threw more deep balls, and continued his strong chemistry with one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country.

Tight end Trey'Dez Green led the Tigers with eight catches for 119 yards and a touchdown to help lead LSU to a 20-10 win over South Carolina. For his efforts, Green was named the John Mackey National Tight End of the Week. In addition, Green's PFF grade of 83.8 made him the highest graded SEC tight end for Week 8. Green has emerged into a vital pass-catcher for the Tigers, and it's clear that Nussmeier has the utmost confidence in him.

"We say it all the time if he's one-on-one, he's wide open." That's what Nussmeier had to say about his tight end earlier this week. It's a sentiment that Green also mentioned in his post-game interview with Cole Cubelic after the South Carolina game. Green owns a massive 6' 7", 240-pound frame that makes him an ideal red zone target for Nussmeier. His elite athleticism means LSU has the advantage every time he is in a one-on-one situation.

Green's 6-yard touchdown reception against the Gamecocks gave LSU a 10-7 lead early in the 2nd quarter. He later hauled in a 24-yard pass down to the South Carolina 1-yard line. The play set-up LSU's game-sealing field goal and gave the Tigers a 20-10 lead late in the 4th quarter.

A former basketball player for the Tigers, Green is making the most of his opportunity on the gridiron. He hauled in the game-winning touchdown against Clemson in Week 1, and is up to 10 catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns this season. It seems that he is gaining more and more confidence each week, and figures to remain a prominent target for Nussmeier the rest of the way.