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.



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