Some defeats cut deeper than others, and for LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, Saturday’s 31–24 loss to Vanderbilt was one of those nights. After Commodores QB Diego Pavia converted a first-down run near the goal line to seal the victory, cameras captured Nussmeier on the sideline, towel in hand, burying his face as emotions spilled over.

Nussmeier threw for 225 yards and two touchdowns on 19-of-28 passing, moving the ball with rhythm and confidence for much of the evening. But when it mattered most, LSU’s offense couldn’t keep the spark alive. Two drives in the final quarter stalled before they could threaten the end zone again, each one ending in a punt that drained more of the Tigers’ hope.

After the game, Nussmeier said, “I think it was a productive day, but it wasn’t enough to win

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