LSU’s glimpse of the future after benching Garrett Nussmeier sparks more concern about open head coaching job
The LSU Tigers were hoping a change at head coach might spark the program against the No. 4-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, but Frank Wilson’s squad laid another bad offensive performance on the table. Wilson tried everything to solve Alabama’s defense, including benching senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. It was a slap in the face of a […]
The LSU Tigers were hoping a change at head coach might spark the program against the No. 4-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, but Frank Wilson’s squad laid another bad offensive performance on the table. Wilson tried everything to solve Alabama’s defense, including benching senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. It was a slap in the face of a player who spurned the NFL to come back and play through injury.
Worse yet, Wilson’s decision to play sophomore backup Michael Van Buren failed. While few would’ve expected the dual-threat playmaker to be a passing upgrade on Nussmeier, LSU’s offense sputtered and struggled even more with him in the game. Prospective head coach targets will take notice.
Unlike other head coach openings, like Florida, that have talented incumbent starters, LSU appears to be a potential transfer addition away from being relevant in 2026. And that will hurt their chances of luring an elite coach like Lane Kiffin or Nick Saban.
LSU’s benching of Garrett Nussmeier for Michael Van Buren backfires
Alabama’s defense suffocated Nussmeier, but the veteran completed 18-of-21 attempts for 121 yards and was at least able to pick up some positive gains. He couldn’t push the ball downfield or run well, which is what prompted Wilson to make the change. Here’s what the interim head coach said post-game.
“We wanted to move around and do some things. We thought he [Van Buren] gave us a chance to do those things, so that went into the thought.”
Wilson was then asked about how Van Buren performed. Completing only 5-of-11 attempts for 52 yards and rushing for one yard on six attempts, it’s hard to objectively say he did anything that warrants being the starting quarterback in 2026 without competition.
“I thought he was solid. There were some things that were obvious. Pushing the pocket, stepping up and delivering passes, escaping and expanding plays, and picking us first downs with his legs. I’d like him to have two hands on the ball, last one swatted away, but I thought he did a good job.”
It’s good Wilson found the positives in Van Buren’s third game of the year. Through 283 passing attempts over two seasons in the SEC, the former Mississippi State quarterback has been a highly volatile performer. PFF has his big-time throw rate at 5.6% and turnover-worthy throws at 3.2%, and an average depth of target of 11.2 yards.
Van Buren will need to find a balance between taking the easy throws and attacking downfield when it calls for it. He’s too aggressive for his lack of accuracy right now, and being a junior with his profile is concerning that the lights are too bright at LSU.
We’ll see how LSU wants to address the position under its next coach. If Van Buren is going to start the rest of the season, at least the Tigers can confidently have an answer on whether he’s their guy to sell or not.
