Garrett Nussmeier led the LSU offense to a 98-yard touchdown drive late in the first quarter against Louisiana Tech on Saturday night. The Tiger offense started the game a bit out of sync, but the 11-play scoring drive was orchestrated beautifully and gave the Tigers a 7-0 lead before the first quarter came to a close.
The lengthy drive culminated in a seven-yard touchdown pass from Nussmeier to WR Nic Anderson, which came with extra special meaning for Anderson. It was his first touchdown since the 2023 season, and more specifically, was his first receiving touchdown since Dec. 28, 2023 when Oklahoma fell to Arizona in the Valero Alamo Bowl.
Nic Anderson scores first touchdown since 2023
Anderson came to Baton Rouge after spending three seasons with the Oklahoma Sooners. He appeared in three games as a true freshman in 2022, and put together a strong redshirt freshman campaign in 2023, totaling 38 receptions for 798 yards and 10 touchdowns. His name is etched in the record books in Norman, as his 10 receiving touchdowns set the Oklahoma freshman touchdown record. Furthermore, his 798 receiving yards rank No. 2 in program history for a Sooner freshman. For his efforts, Anderson earned Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors on two occasions, and was named a Freshman All-American by the The Athletic.
Unfortunately, Anderson missed nearly all of the 2024 season battling injuries. He appeared in just one game didn't record a catch. He continued to battle injuries in Fall Camp, and his return to the field is a welcome sign for LSU. Anderson is now a part of a deep WR room that has plenty of weapons for Garrett Nussmeier.
Nussmeier and Anderson seem to be building their chemistry, and Anderson has a strong opportunity to play a prominent role in LSU's passing attack this season. Tiger fans would be thrilled if he can return to his production levels from two seasons ago at Oklahoma.