Tomorrow marks the end of the season for Wisconsin football. The Badgers will take on #13 LSU in the RelaiQuest Bowl (formerly known as the Outback Bowl). The game will be played at Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Wisconsin football is currently 10 point underdogs to the Tigers. Kick off is 11 AM on ESPN2. Can the Badgers get a big upset and the season on a high note? Here is a preview of tomorrow’s game.
LSU’s Offense Will Still Be a Problem Without Jayden Daniels
There’s no doubt the Badgers dodge a bullet as LSU quarterback and Heisman Trophy Winner Jayden Daniels will not play after declaring for the NFL Draft earlier this month. Daniels has accounted for over 5,000 total yards on offense and 50 touchdowns. Everythign LSU did in the regular season was around him.
I would assume it will be sophomore Garrett Nussmeier who will get the start tomorrow. However, LSU’s dynamic receiving duo of Malik Nabors and Brian Thomas Jr will play in this game,. Both players had over 1,000 yards receiving and combined for 29 touchdowns. Nabors will likely be a first round pick int he draft while Thomas Jr could hear his names called in day 2.
This will likely put a ton of pressure on the Wisconsin football secondary especially if their defensive line can’t get pressure on the quarterback. If the front seven can’t get to Nussmeier, it could be a long afternoon.
Can Wisconsin Football Dictate the Pace for 60 Minutes?
The only way I can see the Badgers winning this game is winning time of possession and the turnover battle. In other words: make this game as ugly as you possible. LSU averages 46 points a game and wants to score early and often.
Can Tanner Mordecai and the Wisconsin football offense stay on the field long enough and keep the LSU defense on the sidelines? It will have to be an efficient game from the senior quarterback playing his final game.
I think this is a game you cane be aggressive and take chances on fourth down. LSU is the 10 point favorite. It’s game they are seen to win and win by a lot. There is no pressure on Wisconsin’s side. It will be interesting to see what Luke Fickell and Phil Longo want to do on the offensive side of the ball.
Prediction
It’s been an interesting first year for Luke Fickell and this team. I was in the camp that thought this team would win 10 games and I was pretty certain on that. However, I, like many others, didn’t always take into account the time it would take to get used to a new system and getting the players Fickell wanted in the system.
Despite all that, I think the Badgers have a great chance to knock off a top 15 team and gain some good momentum into 2024. I usually don’t believe in that, but I think this team needs a good performance and a good way to end what was a tough first year.
The game comes down to if the front seven for Wisconsin can pressure the quarterback and if the offense can stay on the field. While LSU had a tough schedule, they did give up at least 30 points in seven games. The opportunities are there for Wisconsin football to score points.
At the end of the day, I think LSU just has too many play makers, despite Jayden Daniels not playing. I think Nabors and Thomas Jr will give the secondary issues. It will be interesting to see how many younger players get some some snaps in this games. Expect Wisconsin football to compete for 60 minutes, but fall just short of a bowl win.
LSU 28 Wisconsin 17
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Frequently Asked Questions
What year is Daniels on LSU?
As of the 2022 season, quarterback Jayden Daniels is classified as a junior at Louisiana State University (LSU). He transferred to play for the LSU Tigers, adding impressive skills and experience to their roster. Keep up with LSU's team updates for the latest on Daniels' collegiate career.
Where did Jayden Daniels play high school ball?
Quarterback Jayden Daniels showcased his skills at Cajon High School in San Bernardino, California. His impressive tenure as a starting player spanned all four years, marking him as a standout athlete in high school football circles.
