TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Saturday’s football rivalry between No. 11 Alabama and No. 14 LSU in Baton Rouge, La., was filled with storylines highlighting the rivalry between the two programs, but each school ‘s most famous players have something in common.
Two years ago, University of Alabama quarterback Bryce Young and LSU quarterback Jaden Daniels, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2021 and 2023, respectively, played at home against the Tigers, winning 32-31. One of the reasons this matchup in November 2022 was such a big deal was because both QBs have high school roots in California.
Fast forward to 2024, and Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe and LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier find themselves in a similar scenario because they grew up in Texas. Milroe is from Katy and Nussmeyer played high school football at Flower Mound.
Milroe said at a news conference Monday that he had encountered Nussmeier many times in the past.
“The first time we met was at a 7-on-7 tournament in Dallas, Texas.” He was cool, and the last time we met was at Manning in Louisiana (Passing Academy in late June). It was cool to chop it up with him. Just talking to all the quarterbacks in camp before the season started was a great feeling, especially Garrett, who was dope. ”
High school football in Texas has been considered the state of pre-college sports for quite some time, as the fields and facilities are second to none in other parts of the United States. Additionally, Texas has more active NFL players (190) than any other state. Milroe listed many reasons for this.
“The grit, the determination, the goals, the passion, the preparation, the goal-orientedness, those are the things that separate us from other states,” Milroe said. “I think it’s not just the Texas football side of things, but the resources that are provided. Big stadium, weight room, a lot of things added in the weight room to keep us in shape.”Of course, we have great competition every week. There’s an element of doing that, but in Texas football, the level of training increases every week. That way, you will be prepared when you go to college and face great competition. ”
Although their friendship will be put aside throughout the week and for a few hours on Saturday night, Milroe has automatic respect for Nussmeier because of their similar early soccer roots. I assured him that he would.
“I support him because he’s the Texas quarterback. I have to support all the guys at Texas, but he’s a good quarterback. The thing is, you see him shine. Watch him play the ball and lead them every Saturday, he’s just leading the offense and he’s throwing the ball all over the football field. There is no doubt that he is a capable quarterback. ”
After the aforementioned Daniels left LSU and headed to the NFL, Nussmeier was the next to emerge. Nick Saban, the legendary former Alabama head coach turned ESPN college gameday analyst, has a lot of faith in the Tigers’ new quarterback, calling him an “all-time sleeper” just before the season started. Ta. Saban couldn’t have made a more accurate prediction, as Nussmeier currently ranks first in the SEC in completions and attempts and second in passing yards.
So far into the final month of the regular season, Milroe has eclipsed the performance of his fellow Texas QBs.
“He definitely puts stress on our defense and all our defenses in terms of how he throws the ball, how efficient he is and how he gives guys a chance. He’s got a great receiver who’s going to get the football.” ,” Milroe said. “For him, having playmakers around the perimeter makes our job easier. I’m definitely proud of his development and he just continues to stay the course.” It’s something for me to see him at quarterback at LSU.” I’m so proud of him. ”
Milroe and Nussmeier are scheduled to meet again in Baton Rouge on Saturday at 6:30pm CT on ABC.
