Why Garrett Nussmeier won't need to be Superman against USC for an LSU win

Entering the 2024 season, some of the doubts surrounding the LSU Football team start at quarterback. It's not that the analysts are doubting Garrett Nussmeier's ability but, it's more about replacing the production of Jayden Daniels. For the LSU Football team to win most weeks, Jayden Daniels had to be superman, and he was passing for 3,812 yards while rushing for 1,134 yards with 50 total touchdowns.

Early on, Garrett Nussmeier may need some development in Joe Sloan's offense which concerns some with a tough game to open the season. However, the LSU Football team won't need Garrett Nussmeier to come out of the telephone booth with the cape on in week one against USC.

Last season like LSU's defense, USC was horrible going through a defensive coaching change as well. The Trojans allowed 34.9 points per game and 438.8 yards per game which ranked 123rd in college football. USC allowed 252.2 passing yards per game and 183.7 rushing yards per game which landed them 118th and 117th in College Football.

This USC team lost defensive backs Callen Bullock and Christian Roland-Wallace who led the team in interceptions with two each. Up front, they also lost Solomon Byrd who finished second on the team in sacks, and Romello Height who finished third. The team also lost former top recruits Domani Jackson, Korey Foreman, Isaiah Rakes, and Ceyair Wright.

The game plan for week one for LSU will be simple, demolish the Trojans in the trenches. One of USC's biggest issues was a lack of talent and depth up front, an issue they failed to solidify.

Going up against a defensive line with a ton of questions will be arguably the Nation's top offensive line. LSU's offensive line is anchored by the top tackle tandem in Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr who were both named to the watchlist for the Outland Trophy. The Tigers also return a pair of veteran guards and a massive newcomer in DJ Chester at center who will help in dominating the rushing attack.

Behind the front wall for LSU, the Tigers have a stable of running backs capable of leading this team in rushing. Josh Williams is the veteran who will get the start while Kaleb Jackson and Trey Holly have shown a ton of potential early on. The player Tigers fans will be most excited to see is true freshman Caden Durham who can break a big play on any carry.

Doubting LSU because of Nussmeier is a lazy take

The LSU football team has gotten a ton of criticism for how they'll go about replacing Jayden Daniels which has led to mediocre predictions. The people pointing to the loss of Daniels as the reason why are going with a lazy take as for starters, first-time starters take massive jumps on a yearly basis. There also may not be a better group for Nussmeier to get experience behind than the group he has blocking for him as he'll have plenty of time to make plays.

Note: All Stats via ESPN