Some defeats cut deeper than others, and for LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, Saturday’s 31–24 loss to Vanderbilt was one of those nights. After Commodores QB Diego Pavia converted a first-down run near the goal line to seal the victory, cameras captured Nussmeier on the sideline, towel in hand, burying his face as emotions spilled over.

Nussmeier threw for 225 yards and two touchdowns on 19-of-28 passing, moving the ball with rhythm and confidence for much of the evening. But when it mattered most, LSU’s offense couldn’t keep the spark alive. Two drives in the final quarter stalled before they could threaten the end zone again, each one ending in a punt that drained more of the Tigers’ hope.

After the game, Nussmeier said, “I think it was a productive day, but it wasn’t enough to win the football game, and so that’s the frustrating part.”

“The offense had mustered some things that we had been lacking, but when our defense made a couple of stops, we couldn’t turn those into positive possessions,” said the LSU HC. Penalties once again haunted LSU. Seven flags, not a single turnover, and yet the rhythm never clicked. Vanderbilt owned the tempo, holding the ball for more than 36 minutes while LSU’s offense watched from the sidelines, helpless to change the pace.

A personnel mix-up cost the Tigers a timeout, then RB Ju’Juan Johnson was stuffed on a wildcat play up the middle, and TE Donovan Green was flagged for a false start. To cap it off, Nussmeier’s throw fell incomplete, leaving LSU to settle for its 4th field goal attempt of the game. “You have to punch it in there for a TD,” stated Brian Kelly. Ultimately, the scoreboard read 31–24. In this situation, you cannot help but feel bad for Nussmeier.

LSU HC’s take after the loss

Garrett Nussmeier’s emotional moment on the sideline captured the frustration of a team that knows it must play sharper. Although the offense and defense have shown flashes. But inconsistency has left the Tigers in jeopardy. After losses against Ole Miss and Vandy, with just five games left, there’s little room for error. And next up is a massive test.

They will face undefeated Texas A&M at Tiger Stadium. Following that, LSU travels to face Alabama and closes the season on the road against Oklahoma. That’s why the pressure is mounting, and Brian Kelly didn’t hold back. “It’s a competitive group,” said Kelly. “They’re going to play hard. We just have to play smarter and cleaner… It’s a disappointing loss. But they’ve got to bounce back right to reality and play mistake-free against their outstanding A&M team.”

Now, with the Texas A&M game looming, the Tigers need to fix their issues with penalties and sloppy mistakes. Because another loss before the Bama showdown may intensify questions about Kelly’s future in Baton Rouge.