It’s the final game of the 2023 season, but really Monday’s ReliaQuest Bowl matchup between LSU and Wisconsin is more about 2024. Garrett Nussmeier makes his first at quarterback as he’s expected to lead the Tigers offense next season. LSU’s defense is looking to turn the page after a poor 2023 campaign.
Here’s are five things to pay attention to in Monday’s bowl game
1. Garrett Nussmeier
The Nuss bus finally gets to drive LSU’s offense from start to finish. Nussmeier hopes this is the first of many starts in an LSU uniform, but the 2024 starting job has not been promised to him. Coach Brian Kelly said he’s told Nussmeier that he’ll have to beat out Vanderbilt transfer AJ Swann for the job.
But this is a chance for Nussmeier to get a leg up in the competition. Taking care of the football will be critical for Nussmeier. He has thrown six interceptions in 174 passing attempts. Jayden Daniels threw just seven interceptions in 715 passing attempts at LSU.
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That’s a crazy stat that I don’t think many people talk about. Hopefully, NFL General Managers take notice.
2. New play caller for LSU
Quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan and wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton are serving as co-offensive coordinators. Both assistants came up with the game plan, but Kelly said Sloan will call the plays. They are also candidates to replace Denbrock and considering both are vital members of this coaching staff, there’s a good chance they’ll get the job.
Sloan has called plays before at Louisiana Tech and based on what Nussmeier has said, the two have a great relationship. Sloan is also an outstanding recruiter, so it makes sense he’s given serious consideration to replace Denbrock.
3. Wisconsin’s air raid light offense
Luke Fickell is completing his first season as the head coach of the Badgers and he’s trying to bring the air raid offense to Madison, Wisconsin, but it has yet to take off.
Phil Longo is the offensive coordinator. Longo’s offenses at North Carolina from 2019 to 2022 led the ACC in passing. Longo was also the offensive coordinator at Ole Miss from 2017 to 2018 and the Rebels led the SEC in passing those years with A.J. Brown and D.K. Metcalf as their receivers.
But this season, Wisconsin ranks 86th in the country in passing offense, averaging 207 yards per game. Dropped passes have been a problem.
Wisconsin’s most explosive receiver Chimere Dike has transferred to Florida. Third-year slot receiver Skyler Bell also entered the transfer portal.
Wisconsin has a veteran quarterback. Tanner Mordecai has been playing college football since 2018 and this is his third school. He also played at Oklahoma and SMU. He threw for 3,628 yards at SMU in 2021 and 3,524 yards in 2022.
But this season at Wisconsin he’s only thrown for 1,687 yards and six touchdowns. He can run the ball a little bit, he’s rushed for 305 yards.
4. LSU’s defense can make a statement
LSU’s defense should have a good day on Monday. It will not erase the poor performances in the losses to Florida State, Ole Miss and Alabama, but the Tigers should not give up 30 or more points to this team.
Not only has Wisconsin had trouble in the passing game, but their leading rusher Braelon Allen will not play as he gets ready for the draft.
5. How good is this Wisconsin defense?
On paper, Wisconsin’s defense looks stingy. They are only allowing 19 points a game, which is the 18th best mark in the country. But they play in the Big 10 West division, which is filled with inept offenses.
Wisconsin will also be without their third leading tackler Jordan Turner as he has transferred to Michigan State.
The first quarter might really decide this game. Wisconsin is a slow starter, getting outscored in the first quarter 62-30.
I like LSU to win 35-14.