Can USC unsettle LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in Las Vegas? That will be a key storyline in the Trojans’ big season opener against the Tigers. Nussmeier completed 31 of 45 passes for 395 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in LSU’s 35-31 bowl win over Wisconsin. LSU Wire reported, “(Brian)Kelly specifically said Nussmeier needs to work on his decision-making under pressure.” Then LSU Wire provided these interesting quotes from the LSU head coach that raise the question of whether the young quarterback will be ready for the Trojans in a few weeks.

“I thought he did some pretty good things,” Kelly said. “There were a couple things pressure-wise where he thinks he has 52 timeouts. He takes timeouts when he wants to take a timeout. I think he’s got a couple things he needs to work through out there where it looks like he needs to get better pressure-wise.”

You can bet USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn will ramp up the pressure to unsettle the inexperienced signal-caller. Nussmeier has played well when he’s had the spotlight. While Kelly highlighted his progress, he still left open the possibility that he might struggle to read the defense as he enters his first season as a starter.

“But I thought his approach was really good today. He stayed within himself, he looked in control in the situations we put him in today. And I think when he does that and his drop is in rhythm, he’s really good. So I thought we saw a good version of him, I think there’s a better version of him out there.”

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