LSU 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl Game Recap

Erik Trosclair • January 2, 2024

Lets get into it! Happy New Year!

The 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl was one of the more interesting bowl game in recent LSU football history.


In the first game of the post Jayden Daniels era, Garrett Nussmeier would complete 31 of 45 for 395 yards 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. Nussmeier would complete passes to seven different pass catchers on the day. It may have taken a few drives for the Sophomore quarterback to get completely comfortable in his new role, but he looked quite impressive on the day. The Tiger offense would hang 35 points on the number 17 ranked scoring defense in the FBS. Noah Cain, who didn't play in the second half, had a few impressive runs early in this game. Josh Williams would have 12 carries for 51 yards and 3 catches for 22 yards on the day. Kaleb Jackson would score a touchdown of his own, and even Trey Holly would even get a carry in the game. No other Tiger ball carrier was more surprising or exciting than when Harold Perkins, Jr. would punch it in from a yard out for a Tiger touchdown. Brian Thomas Jr. would lead all Tiger pass catchers with 8 catches for 98 yards and 2 touchdowns. Kyren Lacy would grab 6 balls for 95 yards on the day. Tight end Mason Taylor would have 7 catches of his own for 88 yards, Chris Hilton Jr. would have 3 of the most electric catches you will ever see for 56 yards and 1 touchdown. Last but definitely not least, Mr. Malik Nabers, who would come out of halftime in street clothes, would catch 3 passes for 23 yards to become LSU's all time leading receiver.


The LSU defense would be as we would say in cajun french "pas bon", which means not good. Missed tackles, third down conversions, and chunk plays given up were the name of the game today for the Tiger defense. Although, at the end day, the Tiger defense would clamp down to stop the Wisconsin offense when they were needed most. LSU would give up over 500 yards of total offense to the 73rd ranked offense in total yards. With having nearly a month to prepare for an opponent, this type of performance is inexcusable by this defensive staff. Major Burns would lead the Tigers with 13 total tackles, followed by Whit Weeks with 8 total tackles, Andre Sam and Greg Penn III would each have 7 total tackles. Mekhi Wingo would get 2 sacks, and Greg Penn III, Jordan Jefferson, and Maason Smith would each add a sack of their own. Da'Shawn Womack would recover a fumble for the Tiger defense.


Special teams were consistent as usual. Damian Ramos was a perfect 5 for 5 on extra points, and Jay Bramblett would punt 5 times for an average of 38 yards, with one getting downed inside the 20 yard line. Javen Nicholas would return 4 kickoffs for 59 yards, and Gregory Clayton Jr. would return one punt for 5 yards.


Overall, back to back 10 win seasons is massive, I do not care what program you are. This is the first time LSU has back to back 10 win seasons since 2018-2019. LSU fans should feel comfortable with Garrett Nussmeier leading the Tiger offense for the foreseeable future. He showed confidence, pocket presence, and ability to put the ball where only his receiver can get it.  LSU has a lot of decisions to make on the defensive side of the football. Do they adjust the defensive scheme? Do they hire a new defensive coordinator? That remains to be seen. It continues to be the same issues that haunt this LSU defense. Chris Hilton Jr. will be fun to watch next season for the Tigers. This guy made some clutch plays today. LSU's offense will be full of playmakers.


We will next see the Tigers take the field September 1st against the USC Trojans in Las Vegas.



Follow me on X (the artist formerly known as Twitter) @eazytro

A quick share helps us a lot!

By Tina Howell April 28, 2025
After a weather-delayed kickoff, loyal NOLA Gold fans were treated to a rollercoaster of a match that ended with a well-earned 44-36 victory over the Seattle Seawolves at the Shrine. This win moved NOLA Gold into 3rd place in the Major League Rugby Eastern Conference standings. Coach Danny Lee said of the team's response to the delay, “We just had to control the controllables. Once we told the boys the definitive time for kickoff, we had a plan ready to go. In terms of game plan, we had to be a little bit more direct, and we had to kick and adapt quickly.” NOLA Gold set the tone early, taking an initial 3-0 lead thanks to a steady penalty kick from Dorian Jones. Though Seattle answered quickly with a try to make it 7-3, the Gold launched into a dominant scoring stretch. Isaac Te Tamaki powered across the try line to ignite the offense, followed by back-to-back tries from the relentless Jonah Mau’u. Jones continued to add points from the tee, stretching the Gold’s lead to 27-7. Just before halftime, the Seawolves found a breakthrough and scored at the buzzer, narrowing the margin to 27-14. However, NOLA emerged from the locker room with purpose. Xavier Mignot wasted no time reestablishing momentum with a try that pushed the lead to 34-14. Seattle fought back with intensity, capitalizing on back-to-back tries to bring the score to 34-24. But NOLA responded with composure, as Jones added another penalty to keep the visitors at bay, 37-24. The closing stages of the match saw both teams exchanging blows. Seattle’s try was met by a decisive moment from Joe Taufete’e, who muscled through defenders for a critical score. Luke Campbell’s conversion extended the lead to 44-29. Though Seattle scored one final try at the buzzer, it wasn’t enough. With a final score of 44-36, NOLA Gold walked away with a crucial five-point win in front of a roaring home crowd and strengthens their postseason hopes with a firm grip on 3rd place in the East. Their next match will be on the road against the San Diego Legion on May 4th at 4:00 PM CT. For tickets and more details, please visit www.nolagoldrugby.com
By Tina Howell April 24, 2025
The 10th annual Covington Antiques & Uniques Festival will be held this Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, at the Covington Trailhead Museum. This two-day, juried festival features over 60 vendors offering an eclectic mix of antique furnishings, period collectibles, architectural salvage, and vintage-inspired fine crafts, as well as a live auction, car show, good food, music, and more. The Covington Heritage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to preserve the city’s culture, character and community. Founded in 2015, the festival is coordinated with the support of the City’s Department of Cultural Arts and Events. As the festival grows and evolves each year, their goal remains the same- to offer a first-class juried event that reflects the unique charm and history of the city of Covington. The festival is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. For more details, please visit https://www.covingtonheritagefoundation.com/
Show More