LSU QB Change Against Alabama
LSU made a quarterback switch during the third quarter of their game against No. 4 Alabama on Saturday night. Sophomore Michael Van Buren replaced senior starter Garrett Nussmeier with 6:26 remaining in the third quarter and LSU trailing 17-6 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Garrett Nussmeier's Performance
Nussmeier had been playing well, completing 18 of 21 passes for 121 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He led LSU into the red zone at the start of the second half, but the team suffered a delay of game penalty on third and goal from the 8-yard line, then called a timeout before the next play.
Michael Van Buren's Role
This was Van Buren’s first meaningful game action of the season while the game was still competitive. LSU interim coach Frank Wilson had mentioned that Van Buren might see playing time in specific situations against Alabama, but until this point, Nussmeier had taken every offensive snap.
"It was the first time this season that he played when the game was still in the balance." – Regarding Van Buren's appearance
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Game Context
- The game took place at Bryant-Denny Stadium, University of Alabama.
- Nussmeier wore number 18; Van Buren wore number 11.
- Van Buren entered the game with LSU trailing by 11 points.
Author's summary: LSU changed quarterbacks mid-game against Alabama, with Michael Van Buren stepping in for Garrett Nussmeier in a closely contested third quarter after Nussmeier's solid early performance.