Alabama’s defense faces its biggest challenge to date this weekend at quarterback.
Garrett Nussmeier, son of former Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, is one of the best signal-callers in the Southeastern Conference. He is thriving this season under Brian Kelly with 2,627 passing yards and 20 touchdowns to nine interceptions. Nussmeier, a Louisiana native, has playmakers all around him — including a former Crimson Tide receiver in Aaron Anderson. The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder anchors a high-powered offense that looks to put on a show versus Alabama.
Kane Wommack, the Tide’s defensive coordinator, compared Nussmeier to Georgia’s Carson Beck.
Alabama forced three takeaways off Beck, but he made the game interesting in the second half.
“He sees the field as good as anyone we have seen,” Wommack said about Nussmeier.
Wommack complimented the ‘aggressiveness’ Nussmeier plays with in driving the ball downfield. His big play mentality has gotten him into trouble at times, but Nussmeier also gives his receivers an opportunity to make plays. Anderson, Kyren Lacy, and Mason Taylor are the marquee weapons in the Tigers’ offense. LSU also has Zavion Thomas (two touchdowns) and Trey’Dez Green (two scores) as options. The Tigers have athletes that can make contested catches, and Nussmeier fits the ball into tight windows. Wommack has his work cut out for him with this offense and the environment, but he is excited for the challenge.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
