LSU will close the book on their 2023 season when they face off against Wisconsin on New Year’s Day in Tampa, Florida. With a win over the Badgers, it will be the second consecutive 10-win season under second-year head coach, Brian Kelly. The LSU offense will be without their Heisman-winning quarterback, Jayden Daniels. Daniels will be the lone starter that will be missing from the bowl game. Without Daniels being under center, LSU will turn their attention to Garrett Nussmeier getting the start against Wisconsin on January 1.
LSU Closes Their Season in Tampa:
LSU WR Malik Nabers (8) – USA Today Images
The ReliaQuest Bowl will close the book on the 2023 season. LSU came into the year with high expectations after winning the SEC in Kelly’s first year in Baton Rouge. The Tigers were ranked in the preseason Top 10 and they were one of the favorites to get back to the SEC Championship. The season got off to a rough note as the Tigers fell in the season opener against Florida State. LSU was able to rebound after the opening loss as they went on to finish the season 9-3.
The other two losses stand out from the rest as they both had a common theme. The offense was able to keep them in the game, but when it came down to crunch time it was the defense that couldn’t get a timely stop to put them over the edge. Before we reflect on how this season went, the Tigers have one more game left before they turn their attention to the 2024 season.
As mentioned above, the main player that will be opting out of this bowl game for the Tigers will be Daniels. The offense is expected to have their top weapons with wide receiver Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. being active against the Badgers. LSU also got some good news as Kyren Lacy announced that he was coming back next season.
On the defensive side, it will be the usual suspects for the Tigers. It was not the season to remember, but they will have the chance to perform well against Wisconsin. The last time these two teams met was back in 2016 when LSU and Wisconsin faced off in Lambeau Field. With the win over the Badgers, LSU will pick up their 10th win of the season and will look towards next season when Oklahoma and Texas are set to join the SEC.
Know Your Foe: Wisconsin
Wisconsin LB Maema Njongmeta (55) – Getty Images
Wisconsin entered the 2023 season under a new head coach, Luke Fickell. The Badgers finished the regular season with a 7-5 record. The Wisconsin offense is led by quarterback Tanner Mordecai. Mordecai finished the season with 1,687 passing yards and six touchdowns. When it comes to the bowl season, opt-outs and players going to the transfer portal is expected.
The Badgers will be without four of their key starters to the transfer portal and three have decided to start their preparation for the upcoming NFL Draft in the spring. Some of the missing pieces on the offensive side of the ball will be wide receivers Chimerie Dike and Skyler Bell. They will also be without running back Braelon Allen and right guard Tannor Bortellini. Someone will have to step up and fill the shoes that will be missing for the Wisconsin offense.
On the opposite side of the ball, the Badgers will be missing some familiar faces as cornerback Jason Maitre, defensive lineman Rodas Johnson, and linebacker Jordan Turner will be absent in the bowl game against LSU. The transfer portal definitely hasn’t been kind to the Badgers ahead of their matchup in Tampa.
Score Prediction: LSU 33, Wisconsin 20
