The LSU Tigers fought back to overcome an early deficit and win a thrilling ReliaQuest Bowl, 35-31. In a microcosm of LSU’s year, the offense provided big plays, and the defense did enough to avoid disaster. In this case, the Tigers had to do it without Heisman winner Jayden Daniels. Projected 2024 starter Garrett Nussmeier proved that he was ready to lead as LSU outlasted Wisconsin in the end.
Badger Barrage
As expected, the Badgers moved the ball efficiently against the LSU defense. Wisconsin’s aggressive gameplan paid off early and often with quarterback Tanner Mordecai’s accuracy leading to an early 14-0 lead. After connecting on deep passes for the first touchdown of the game, Mordecai hit Will Pauling on a slant that went for a 53-yard touchdown after two missed tackles. Mordecai surpassed Wisconsin’s 207 passing yards per game average in the first half with 210 yards.
Nussmeier was not discouraged, completing passes to Brian Thomas and Kyren Lacy on a second-quarter drive that was capped off with a touchdown run by linebacker Harold Perkins. Give the LSU staff credit for using Perkins on offense since it seems as if they don’t know how to use him defensively. Perkins’ touchdown cut the lead 14-7 and gave the Tigers much-needed positive momentum early in the game.
Both teams had significant success through the air. Wisconsin took easy completions and broke tackles when LSU played zone coverage. They took deep shots down the field when the Tigers played man. For much of the game, LSU didn’t have answers for either. Pauling amassed 143 receiving yards for the game, more than doubling his season average. LSU managed to stay within one possession as the Badgers took a 21-14 lead into the half.
Tiger Turnaround
Nussmeier did not have a bad first half, but he and the receivers took the LSU passing game to another level in the second half. He completed 13-19 passes, including a pinpoint accurate touchdown in the corner of the end zone to Chris Hilton. He also threw a second-half touchdown to Thomas, who stepped up with a monster game after Malik Nabers left the game early.
The Tiger defense had many shortcomings in 2023, but quitting was not one of them. Wisconsin scored on a 33-yard Jackson Acker touchdown run on the first possession of the second half. Down 28-14, LSU gave up three points for the remainder of the game. The Tigers forced two punts in the fourth quarter. Maason Smith broke free on Wisconsin’s last possession, forcing Mordecai towards Mekhi Wingo who forced a fumble on fourth down. The sack sealed the LSU ReliaQuest Bowl win.
Players of the Game
The quarterbacks stole the show. Mordecai threw for a season-high 378 yards in the game. The veteran quarterback always knew where the pressure was coming from as well as where the ball needed to go. He had three touchdowns and no interceptions. For perspective, his three touchdowns are half as many as he threw all year.
Nussmeier had 395 yards through the air. More importantly, he showed more patience than he’d displayed in his younger days. Wisconsin’s game plan forced LSU to pass the ball underneath to avoid being beaten over the top. Shot play opportunities were scarce, but Nussmeier took them when available.
Brian Thomas showed his competitive nature by playing in the game despite first-round draft projections. Thomas had two touchdowns but also several critical catches that gained first downs. Nabers added another accomplishment to a legendary career, becoming LSU’s all-time receiving yardage leader.
Looking Forward
Wisconsin took a positive step in transitioning from a ground-and-pound offense to a more air-friendly approach. The receivers consistently made plays in one-on-one situations. Mordecai is a senior, but Tyler Van Dyke is transferring in from Miami to take over at quarterback. Luke Fickell’s team is improving, but it’ll have to be in a more competitive Big 10 in 2024.
The LSU staff has to feel good about another 10-win season with a win in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The Tigers look to be in good shape offensively for the future. Nussmeier was sharp. Chris Hilton and Kyren Lacy made several big plays at receiver. Kaleb Jackson will be a force at running back when he gets the carries to do so. The question remains the same for the Tigers – How much can the defense improve? There was no improvement throughout the 2023 season, so one would think the issues go beyond player personnel. Time will tell if there are changes in coaching personnel.
