LSU interim coach Frank Wilson addressed the quarterback position following the benching of starter Garrett Nussmeier in their recent game against No. 4 Alabama. The Tigers fell 20-9, and for the first time this season, Nussmeier was replaced during the game.
Michael Van Buren, a sophomore, took over from Nussmeier in the third quarter. Van Buren completed 5 of 11 passes for 52 yards and rushed for 21 yards on four carries, excluding two sacks from his stats.
“I haven’t put that kind of thought into right now,” Wilson said. “Right now, I just want to be there for our players to let them know we’re going to be all right, to pick their heads up and we’re standing by you. Decisions of depth moving forward, we’re not at that stage right now.”
The substitution came after LSU settled for a field goal on their opening drive of the second half. Despite having first and goal at Alabama's 9-yard line, LSU gained only one yard over two plays. A delay of game penalty pushed them back, leading to a timeout before Nussmeier was sacked for a 14-yard loss.
Following a challenging offensive game, LSU’s coaching staff remains focused on player support rather than announcing a clear quarterback competition moving forward.