LSU Faces Key Arkansas Matchup Amid Garrett Nussmeier Injury Concerns

The LSU Tigers’ pursuit of bowl eligibility hit another obstacle as starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier landed on the injury report ahead of Saturday’s pivotal matchup against the Arkansas Razorbacks. With linebacker Whit Weeks also managing injury concerns, LSU faces a challenging situation in a game that could determine their postseason fate.

Nussmeier, who has battled a recurring abdominal injury since fall camp, was listed as “probable” after re-aggravating the issue in Thursday’s practice. If he is unable to play, freshman Michael Van Buren is expected to start, while Nic Anderson remains sidelined for the foreseeable future.

The quarterback situation complicates LSU’s offensive plans, as Nussmeier has struggled compared to his standout 2024 campaign. Through nine games this season, he has thrown for 1,927 yards with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions, and the offense has averaged just 23.7 points per contest.

Adding to the pressure, the Tigers are currently on a three-game losing streak and sit at 5-4 overall and 2-4 in the Southeastern Conference. The upcoming game against Arkansas, who enters 2-7 overall and 0-5 in conference play, represents a must-win scenario to secure bowl eligibility.

1. Nussmeier’s Injury and Offensive Impact

Garrett Nussmeier’s abdominal injury has limited both his mobility and his ability to throw downfield. The issue first surfaced in fall camp and was exacerbated during LSU’s loss to Texas A&M, where he took a hard hit and required numbing cream and extra padding to continue playing. His recent struggles culminated in a benching during the loss to Alabama, highlighting the impact of the injury on his performance. LSU’s offensive rhythm has suffered, and consistency at quarterback remains uncertain heading into a critical late-season matchup. The Tigers plan to implement a two-quarterback system for the remainder of the season, with Van Buren prepared to step in if Nussmeier is limited. This strategy provides flexibility but also underscores the team’s reliance on adapting quickly in high-pressure situations. LSU coach and staff have emphasized that Nussmeier’s health will dictate his playing time, balancing the need to win with the long-term welfare of the quarterback. The team’s ability to adjust around his status will be key to their offensive effectiveness against Arkansas.

2. Arkansas Matchup and Stakes

Saturday’s game at Tiger Stadium carries significant implications for both programs. LSU is seeking a sixth win to achieve bowl eligibility, while Arkansas, at 2-7, is trying to avoid finishing winless in the SEC. The Razorbacks enter the matchup with a struggling record but remain capable of creating challenges in the trenches and pressuring quarterbacks. LSU’s offensive line and skill players must execute efficiently, particularly if Nussmeier is limited. The running game and secondary quarterbacks like Van Buren could play critical roles in maintaining offensive balance. Establishing the run and protecting the quarterback will be essential to controlling the tempo and sustaining drives. Game flow will likely dictate LSU’s approach. If Arkansas jumps out to an early lead, the Tigers may rely more heavily on passing to catch up. Conversely, if LSU establishes momentum early, the running game and short passing attack could keep the Razorbacks off balance.

3. Bowl Eligibility on the Line

For LSU, this game represents more than just a single win—it determines the team’s postseason fate. Securing bowl eligibility can have long-term impacts on recruiting, program morale, and momentum heading into the offseason. Coach and staff will need to carefully manage injuries and rotations to maximize performance while safeguarding players’ health. Balancing Nussmeier’s potential return with Van Buren’s readiness will be central to their game plan. Success against Arkansas would break the Tigers’ three-game losing streak and provide a morale boost heading into the final stretch of the season. Conversely, another loss could complicate postseason prospects and leave the team searching for answers in key areas. As LSU prepares for kickoff at 12:45 p.m. ET, all eyes will be on the quarterback position and how effectively the Tigers can execute in a game that carries high stakes for the program’s 2025 season.