Three key stats shine light on struggles of LSU football QB Garrett Nussmeier

LSU football expected QB Garrett Nussmeier to be a Heisman contender. After LSU's Week 1 win at Clemson, Nussmeier was atop the Heisman Trophy betting odds. But since then, Nussmeier and the LSU offense have trended in the wrong direction.

LSU ranks No. 14 in the SEC with 27.0 points per game. LSU can't run the ball and Nussmeier is averaging just 6.8 yards per attempt.

Coming out of the Ole Miss loss, there were questions about Nussmeier's health. Earlier in the year, Brian Kelly mentioned Garrett Nussmeier was dealing with a torso injury. Kelly was mum about it when asked after the loss, but it's clear Nussmeier's throws were lacking the usual zip.

LSU and Nussmeier get a bye week now to rest up before the Tigers return to action vs. South Carolina in Week 7. But first, we'll take a closer look at Nussmeier's struggles with three stats that tell the story.

30.4 completion percentage on passes 20+ yards

The most glaring issue with LSU's passing attack is an inability to throw the ball deep. Nussmeier usually has a cannon, but this year, the Tigers have struggled to connect down the field.

Nussmeier's health is likely playing a role. LSU thought Nussmeier was trending in the right direction after the SE Louisiana win, but Nussmeier was just 1/7 on deep balls in the loss at Ole Miss. Without a run game, it's hard for LSU to build sustained drives. LSU can't score without getting large chunks.

LSU's offense put an emphasis on finding ways to be explosive in the offseason. Nussmeier's return, along with a talented group of pass catchers, led to high expectations. But the big plays haven't been there so far.

Pressure to sack rate: 18.4%

Garrett Nussmeier was elite in this department last year. He only took 15 sacks in 2024 for a pressure-to-sack rate of 9.8%. This year, it's up to 18.4%.

LSU's 2024 offensive line was a solid pass-blocking unit. That, paired with Nussmeier's sack avoidance, prevented LSU from taking a ton of negative plays. This year, LSU is worse at protecting the QB, and Nussmeier isn't doing as much to avoid the sacks.

If Nussmeier can settle in and get comfortable again, expect this stat to improve.

0.08 EPA/dropback

Nussmeier averages 0.08 EPA/dropback, ranking No. 72 nationally, according to GameOnPaper. Nussmeier is one spot behind Buffalo's TaQuan Roberson -- not where the LSU QB expected to be. EPA/dropback isn't the best stat to evaluate quarterbacks in my view. It's often more reflective of how the offense performs as a whole.

But it's telling here. LSU can't run the ball, so the Tigers need the passing game to score points. But LSU isn't getting enough value through the air, either.

In 2024, Nussmeier averaged 0.15 EPA/dropback, nearly double his 2025 mark.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: 3 key stats tell story of LSU's Garrett Nussmeier's letdown season