Nussmeier's gutsy performance not enough to beat Vanderbilt

The LSU Tigers put forth an underwhelming performance on Saturday afternoon as they lost to the Vanderbilt Commodores by a score of 31-24. Vanderbilt controlled the game from start to finish and Clark Lea's team dominated time of possession 36:31-23:29. The Tiger defense provided no resistance to Vanderbilt's offensive attack, as Diego Pavia ran wild for 86 yards and two touchdowns.

Even in defeat, Tiger QB Garrett Nussmeier put forth a gutsy performance and did all he could in an effort to get his team a win. He stood tall in the pocket as the offensive line in front of him provided little to no support. Despite being under constant duress all game long, Nussmeier still completed 19 of his 28 pass attempts for 225 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Nussmeier took several big hits and was shown hobbling after plays on multiple occasions.

Nussmeier's best play of the day came halfway through the 3rd quarter with LSU trailing 24-13. The Tigers needed a big play to stay in it, and Nussmeier delivered. The Commodores rushed just four, but were able to quickly get into the backfield and in Nussmeier's face. Nussmeier spun to avoid one rusher before finding Zavion Thomas in the flat while simultaneously getting drilled by another pass rusher. Thomas did the rest, orchestrating one of the most electric plays of the college football season so far. The 62-yard touchdown pass and subsequent 2-point conversion brought the Tigers within three.

Nussmeier was sacked twice on the day, but that total could have easily been a lot higher. The veteran gunslinger was not put in a position to succeed, as Vandy was able to get pressure by rushing just four on several occasions.

Nussmeier has been banged up for most of the season, playing through a torso injury. He looked a lot healthier last week against South Carolina, but the hits he took against Vanderbilt started to take their toll. It just wasn't a sustainable path to victory for Nussmeier and the Tigers.

Nussmeier was visibly emotional on the sideline after the game, showing just how much this loss stings. The Tigers don't have much time to lick their wounds, as a matchup with No. 4 Texas A&M awaits on Saturday at Tiger Stadium.