November isn’t November without the classic clash between LSU and Alabama. The two sides meet again at the Bryant-Denny this week. After LSU fired Brian Kelly, a win against the Tide would be the perfect boost for their dampened spirits. However, we may see QB Garrett Nussmeier in a different role.

Garrett Nussmeier started the season strong, which earned him Heisman candidate status. However, the 23-year-old has been finding it hard after suffering a torso injury early in the season. His two interceptions against South Carolina last month were an indicator that the QB was struggling in Kelly’s offense. However, the interim HC, Frank Wilson, might not be great news for Nussmeier.

Frank Wilson appeared on the weekly SEC Teleconference call and revealed that the backup QB Michael Van Buren “has taken more snaps than he normally has.” However, Wilson didn’t rule out Nussmeier starting the game. When LSU takes the field in Week 11, the QB1 will lead the offense. But he may not finish the game. As per Wilson, Buren will feature in the game plan against the Tide.

What does this mean for Nussmeier? Well, the season’s already over for the Tigers in terms of a playoff push. Considering this is his last year of eligibility, Nussmeier will look to use the remaining games to boost his draft stock. It has considerably fallen since its preseason heights when he was being predicted to be a first-round pick next year.

And now that a potential rotation between QBs is in place, Nussmeier could find it hard to get playing time. Michael Van Buren in the mix gives Frank Wilson more options. Now, all that remains to be seen is what Van Buren can bring to the table against Alabama this weekend.

What can fans expect from Michael Van Buren on Saturday?

After transferring from MS State last season, Van Buren has found it hard to get playing time at LSU. This season, the QB has only played two games for the Tigers, against Southeastern Louisiana and Texas A&M. Against the Lions, Van Buren completed 10 out of 12 attempted throws for 122 yards and scored 1 TD. His efforts in the fourth quarter helped LSU increase its 35-point lead to a 49-point lead, ending the game in a  56-7 fashion.

Against the Aggies, Van Buren didn’t see much action. He had a 75% completion rate for 50 yards (3 out of 4 throws). With one minute left on the clock, Van Buren threw a pass to WR Kyle Parker, who scored a TD. But it was too little too late for LSU, which lost the game with a 25-49 score.

His time on the field has been limited this season, but he has managed to keep a good pass completion rate. And now, he could be a key player for Frank Wilson, who plans on using him in certain stages of the match. Fans can expect him to deliver a strong passing performance on Saturday, and judging by his record, possibly a touchdown as well.