Kelly: Nussmeier Injured, LSU Offense Must Improve

LSU’s offense has sputtered through five games and coach Brian Kelly said the unit — and QB Garrett Nussmeier — must play better after a 24-19 loss at Ole Miss, faulting his staff’s game planning and unpreparedness for repeated drop‑eight looks. Kelly revealed Nussmeier has dealt with a torso/abdominal strain since fall camp and called in‑season surgery rumors “misinformation.” LSU managed just 254 total yards and 57 rushing yards at Ole Miss, failing to establish a run game and averaging under 4 yards per carry, which has hampered the Tigers’ College Football Playoff hopes. With a difficult stretch ahead that includes Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, Alabama and Oklahoma, LSU needs rapid offensive improvement to stay competitive in the SEC. Separately, Texas QB Arch Manning has come under growing scrutiny for inconsistent play, with NFL scouts saying they need to see more consistency and mental steadiness as he enters a tough conference run.