LSU 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl Preview

Erik Trosclair • December 29, 2023

Lets get into it!

The LSU Tigers are taking on the Wisconsin Badgers New Years Day, January 1st, 2024, in Tampa, Florida at 11 AM.


The Tigers will look a little different in this contest, with Heisman winner Jayden Daniels opting out of the game in order to prepare for his NFL future. Believe it or not, Garrett Nussmeier will start his first game for the Tigers. The young gunslinger has appeared in five games, throwing for 196 yards and 1 touchdown, while adding another touchdown on the ground. If you have ever seen Garrett Nussmeier play, he has the classic "shooters shoot" mentality, meaning that he is not scared to throw the ball anywhere on the field, he believes in his arm, and having that confidence is half the battle. Many will look at this as an audition of sorts for Garrett Nussmeier as the Tiger quarterback heading into the 2024 season. It will be exciting to see what he can do behind this great offensive line, and with two potential 1st round wide receivers.


Mekhi Wingo has announced he will be back for the bowl game, which is huge in todays college football world, many would just sit the game out if they are heading to the NFL, so could this mean Mekhi will be heading back to LSU next season? This would be a massive boost to the LSU defense next season.


It was announced during the week that, 4 star Freshman, Da'Shawn Womack will be starting at defensive end for the bowl game. Womack has 12 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, in 6 games this season. This may serve as a much needed spark this defensive unit may need.


Another thing that will be intriguing to watch is to see how these young defensive backs and linebackers perform in this game. Duce Chesnut has entered his name into the transfer portal, while Sage Ryan has pulled his name out. Look towards guys like Ashton Stamps, Javien Toviano, Whit Weeks, and Harold Perkins, Jr. to step up in this game, and get some positive momentum rolling into the offseason.


One of the biggest things in this game will be to see how Matt House's defense performs. Will they improve with the amount of time they have had to prepare for this Wisconsin offense, or will it be the same story just a new opponent? The defense does not have to perform like the '85 Bears, but at least be respectable in this contest. Just be "middle of the road", and LSU fans everywhere will be content.


RECORD ALERT!! Malik Nabers needs to 22 yards to break Josh Reed's career receiving yards record. Does Malik get the 22 yards and chunk up the dueces, or does he play the complete game? Either way, this will be fun to follow during the game.


Overall, the Tigers need a win to carry into the offseason, and end this season on a positive note.


Back to back 10 win seasons for the first time since 2018 and 2019 would be great.

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