Baton Rouge, La. — Garrett Nussmeier threw six touchdown passes to propel No. 18 LSU to a 44-21 victory over Nicholls on Saturday night.
LSU (1-1) bounced back after a season-opening loss to Southern California in Las Vegas but found it challenging to pull away from the FCS-level Nicholls Colonels (0-2) until the early third quarter.
“I’m happy with the win, but there are definitely things we need to improve,” said LSU coach Brian Kelly. “We looked tired and weren’t at our best. It was a short week, and it showed in our energy and physicality compared to how we played against USC.”
With a slim 23-21 lead early in the second half, Nussmeier orchestrated an 11-play, 72-yard drive, ending with a six-yard touchdown pass to Kyren Lacy, extending the lead to 30-21.
On Nicholls’ next possession, LSU freshman cornerback P.J. Woodland forced and recovered a fumble from a pass by Pat McQuaide to Quincy Brown, giving LSU the ball at the Colonels’ 41-yard line.
Five plays later, Nussmeier connected with Lacy again for a seven-yard touchdown, his third of the game, making it 37-21.
In his first career start at Tiger Stadium, Nussmeier impressed, completing 27 of 37 passes for 302 yards. His six touchdown passes tied 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels for the second-most in LSU history, just behind Joe Burrow’s seven-touchdown record set in 2019 against Oklahoma.
“Garrett is an efficient and skilled passer,” said Kelly. “He also showed that he can run the ball when needed.”
Lacy led LSU’s receivers with five catches for 65 yards and three touchdowns. Zavion Thomas, Ju’Juan Johnson, and Trey’Dez Green also caught touchdown passes, while CJ Daniels added four receptions for 71 yards.
Nicholls, facing LSU for the first time, was led by senior running back Collin Guggenheim, who rushed for 145 yards on 25 carries and scored two touchdowns, including a 67-yard run on the first possession of the second half.
Key Takeaways:
LSU: Although LSU earned its first win of the season, they continued to struggle in the run game, finishing with just 64 yards on 21 carries. Despite returning four starters on the offensive line, the Tigers averaged only three yards per carry.
“We need to evaluate our run game closely,” Kelly stated. “The players are talented enough; it’s on me to coach them better.”
Nicholls: After a close 25-17 loss to Louisiana Tech in Week 1, Nicholls displayed resilience again, holding their own against a tougher opponent.
Up Next:
LSU will travel to South Carolina for their SEC opener next Saturday, while Nicholls will face Sacramento State.
