Kelly: Nussmeier gives LSU 'best chance to be successful' despite INTs
LSU head coach Brian Kelly isn't planning to make a quarterback change despite Garrett Nussmeier's recent turnover-filled performances.
"We believe that as we continue to grow in the first year of a starter that he gives us the best chance to be successful," Kelly said Wednesday, according to The Advocate's Wilson Alexander. "When I'm firm in those answers, it's because we've done the due diligence. We've watched these kids play, and we truly believe that he gives us the best options for success."
Nussmeier has displayed moments of brilliance in his first season as the Tigers' starting quarterback. The redshirt junior has thrown for 2,866 yards and 21 touchdowns with a 62.7% completion rate. Turnovers have become an issue for the Louisiana native, however, as he's thrown nine interceptions over his last five games.
The Tigers are coming off back-to-back losses in which Nussmeier threw three second-half interceptions to Texas A&M before throwing two picks and losing a fumble during last weekend's defeat to Alabama. Only Georgia's Carson Beck (12) has been picked off more than Nussmeier (11) among SEC signal-callers.
Kelly said that LSU's offensive staff could help Nussmeier by making things easier on the young signal-caller and emphasized footwork to help the QB improve his timing. The Tigers coach previously gave the same message to Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels during his tenure with the team.
"Getting back to the basic fundamentals will help us immensely," Kelly said. "And it will help Garrett immensely to where we want to go."
LSU (6-3) dropped from No. 15 to No. 22 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings.