NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
LSU will look to cap off back-to-back 10-win seasons on Monday as it takes on Wisconsin in a New Year’s Day ReliaQuest Bowl matchup.
While the Tigers will be without starting quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, who opted out, it will have potential first-round receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., as well as defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo, who makes his return from injury following surgery in October.
The Badgers sit at 7-5 in what has been a somewhat disappointing Year 1 for Luke Fickell, and they’re dealing with some opt-outs of their own, headlined by star running back Braelon Allen.
Here’s how our staff thinks that bowl matchup will play out as quarterback Garrett Nussmeier prepares for his first career start.
Tyler Nettuno, Site Editor
Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports
We haven’t really seen Nussmeier run the offense over the course of an entire game, but it feels safe to assume the unit will remain productive with all of its weapons in place. While there’s still no reason to trust this Tigers’ defense, if this Badgers team is able to move the ball without its best offensive playmaker in Allen, it would be truly surprising. I don’t expect quite the same beatdown we saw against Purdue last year, but it could be close.
Prediction: LSU 49, Wisconsin 21
Will Rosenblatt, Staff Writer
Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Garrett Nussmeier gets his first real chance to prove something in the ReliaQuest Bowl. With Jayden Daniels out, this is Nuss’s offense. He’ll get some help with Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. remaining in the lineup. As for the defense, LSU’s still looking for some young guys to make a jump heading into 2024. I think Nussmeier hits enough big plays and the defense hangs in there and LSU wins.
Prediction: LSU 33, Wisconsin 24
Kyle Richardson, Staff Writer
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/lsu-wire-roundtable-predictions-reliaquest-231938319.html
Author : LSU Tigers Wire
Publish date : 2023-12-31 23:19:38
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
