The LSU Tigers are being blasted over how they handled a potential concussion from quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.
In its first nine games of the season, LSU allowed just six sacks. Things changed drastically on Saturday as Nussmeier faced pressure far more often than he has all season.
During the Tigers’ 27-16 defeat against the Florida Gators, Nussmeier received a heavy blow to his head as the quarterback was sacked.
He was visibly shaken as he grabbed his head before he eventually returned to his feet after a considerable time on the ground.
The sideline evaluation of Garrett Nussmeier is what LSU head coach Brian Kelly and his medical staff are being blasted about.
His evaluation included simple tasks such as asking Nussmeier to track a finger and stand on one leg with your eyes closed. That is not going to cut it.
His examination, which was seen by millions worldwide, attracted the attention of Chris Nowinski, the founding CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation.
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Sharing clips of the sacking and following tests on X, he wrote: “LSU QB Nussmeier back in after this hit, missing one play after a BS “follow my finger” and “stand on one leg with your eyes closed” sideline #concussion exam is an embarrassment to sports medicine and college football.”
LSU QB Nussmeier back in after this hit, missing one play after a BS "follow my finger" and "stand on one leg with your eyes closed" sideline #concussion exam is an embarrassment to sports medicine and college football. pic.twitter.com/tiJDqERMo1
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) November 17, 2024
He then added: “If you are concerned he had a concussion because he got crushed, grabbed his head, and took forever to stand up, you’ve got to do more than this. He gets hit again, and this could be ugly.”
If you are concerned he had a concussion because he got crushed, grabbed his head, and took forever to stand up, you've got to do more than this. He gets hit again and this could be ugly pic.twitter.com/G3BufIn9AR
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) November 17, 2024
Garrett Nussmeier Still Had Good Game Despite Constant Pressure
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier finished with 260 passing yards and one touchdown on 27-47 attempts in the game against the Florida Gators.
LSU allowed seven sacks on the day. Two of the seven sacks resulted in fumbles.
Garrett Nussmeier still helped LSU convert 13 of its 24 third downs and two of its four fourth downs.
The No. 22 Tigers still managed to overcome some of those negative plays and improve their record to 6-4.
