Why LSU Football Benched Garrett Nussmeier for Michael Van Buren vs Alabama
Interim LSU head coach Frank Wilson made a pivotal decision during his first game leading the Tigers, opting to replace senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier with sophomore Michael Van Buren against Alabama.
Wilson's Reasoning Behind the Quarterback Change
Midway through the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with LSU trailing 17-6, Wilson inserted Van Buren to inject mobility and diversify the offense.
"As we discussed as a staff, we knew there could be opportunities in the quarterback run game. (Alabama) would make it more difficult sitting in the pocket. We wanted to move (Van Buren) around and do some things. I thought that he gave us a chance to do those things. That went into the thought."
– Frank Wilson
Impact on the Game
Van Buren led a scoring drive following a forced fumble by LSU linebacker Harold Perkins Jr., narrowing the deficit to 17-9 with a field goal by Damian Ramos. However, LSU was unable to score further points as the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide secured a 20-9 victory.
Game Summary
- LSU fell short at Alabama in a closely contested matchup.
- Wilson's quarterback change aimed to leverage Van Buren’s mobility against Alabama’s pocket pressure.
- LSU's defense created opportunities, but the offense could not capitalize enough to overcome the deficit.
LSU now holds a 5-4 record overall and 2-4 in SEC play.
Author's summary: Frank Wilson’s strategy to replace Nussmeier with Van Buren reflected a tactical adjustment to challenge Alabama’s defense, but LSU ultimately couldn’t overcome the deficit in a 20-9 loss.