Florida vs. LSU: Brian Kelly Updates, Billy Napier Talks QB Jayden Daniels

Florida continues to prepare for two quarterbacks on Saturday as LSU signal-caller Jayden Daniels' status remains in flux.

After suffering a "head injury" that forced him into concussion protocol during LSU’s 42-28 loss to Alabama on Saturday night in Tuscaloosa, star quarterback Jayden Daniels’ status for LSU's bout with Florida in Week 11 remains uncertain. 

On Wednesday, during the weekly SEC Teleconference, Tigers head coach Brian Kelly shed some light on the quarterback’s health and the potential return of Daniels for the upcoming cross-divisional rivalry game in Death Valley. 

“He worked out this morning, and it appears as though that workout went well, which is the last stage before he's cleared for non-contact practice, so we're expecting him to practice today,” Kelly said. “If all things go well through practice today, he'll be cleared for contact on Thursday."

Kelly’s notion offers optimism for one of the top quarterbacks in the country during the 2023 campaign to strap up his helmet for the 24th start in his LSU career and take on Florida. However, his availability depends on his continued rapid progression through concussion protocol. 

“I can tell you that he's moved through these stages to the point that he worked out this morning and ran 20 miles an hour, and today he'll be able to practice in a noncontact fashion,” Kelly continued.

Even if he is cleared, the Tigers aren’t looking to rush him back. They’ll evaluate his preparation level with backup quarterback Garrett Nussmeier leading up to kickoff before making a final decision if that is the case.

"If he goes through today's practice, then we'll decide what's his preparation level compared to Nussmeier's preparation level and make a decision on who would start on Saturday," Kelly said.

In the meantime, the Gators are prepared to face off against both the Heisman contender and his backup on Saturday night in Baton Rouge.

According to Napier, the uncertainty at the offensive helm is “part of the challenge” for defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong and the unit in their preparation, knowing both are capable of effectively operating the top-ranked offense in Division-I football this year.

“Both of these players have experience and both have done a nice job of moving the offense,” Napier said during Wednesday’s SEC coaches teleconference. “They both do a good job of making decisions, distributing the ball.” 

Sporting different styles, the tandem of LSU passers each bring their own strengths to the table for Florida to consider.

On one hand, Daniels presents what Napier deems “the great equalizer” in his ability to use his legs. Accumulating 684 yards and six scores on the ground to add to his 2,792 yards, 27 touchdowns, four interceptions on 72.1% completion throughout the air, Daniels has performed as arguably the best dual-threat quarterback in college football throughout the first 10 weeks of the 2023 campaign. 

His ability to extend plays and create positive gains out of seemingly dire situations has placed him atop the race for Heisman candidacy in the closing stages of the year.

“Obviously, Jayden has played as good as any player in the country this year and has had some really impressive performances,” Napier said. “Jayden’s ability to run is the great equalizer.”

Nussmeier, however, aligns more as a traditional pocket passer. While he doesn’t impose the same threat on the ground — with -58 rushing yards over three seasons — the offense shifts to getting the ball out of his hands quickly to the litany of playmakers LSU has at his disposal when he’s in control.

The Lake Charles, La., product has served as the man-in-waiting at the quarterback spot for the Tigers over the past two years, earning several opportunities to take meaningful snaps throughout his stint in Baton Rouge.

Appearing in 16 contests, Nussmeier has accounted for 1,325 yards, eight touchdowns and six interceptions during his collegiate career, proving to be a productive second option to Daniels if he’s thrust into the starting position. 

“Nussmeier because of the flow of the last couple of years has had an opportunity to play significant snaps and really play at some meaningful times,” Napier said. “Nussmeier knows the system, he’s accumulated reps in the system and they have fantastic front and skill players around him.”

As a result, Florida’s anchored down in defensive prep as the matchup approaches, understanding the task at hand for both options in the Tigers’ arsenal. 

“Either way, it’s a great challenge there and one that is going to require us to be at our absolute best.”

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