Wisconsin Badgers vs. LSU Tigers 1/1/24 – The college football season is coming to an exciting close as the Wisconsin Badgers and the LSU Tigers prepare to face off in the NCAAF ReliaQuest Bowl on Monday, January 1, 2024. This matchup promises to be a thrilling start to the new year, featuring two teams with contrasting records and playing styles. Let’s dive into the game details, key player analyses, and betting insights to provide you with NCAAF bowl betting picks in this NCAAF bowl battle.
Wisconsin Badgers vs. LSU Tigers 1/1/24
| When: | Monday, January 1, 2024 at 12:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Raymond James Stadium |
| TV: | ESP2 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badgers | +9 -114 | o57 -115 | +290 |  |
| Tigers | -9 -106 | u57 -105 | -345 | |
| ||||
All love for our oldies 👴 pic.twitter.com/tcahiYuL8k
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) December 31, 2023
Tanner Mordecai QB vs. Garrett Nussmeier QB
Tanner Mordecai heads into this bowl game after an inconsistent season for the Badgers. He’s completed 64.6% of his passes for 1,687 yards, 6 touchdowns and 4 interceptions while taking 12 sacks. Mordecai has flashed potential at times, but he has also struggled with turnovers and handling pressure in the pocket. His decision-making and composure will be key if Wisconsin hopes to keep pace.
For LSU, Garrett Nussmeier took over the starting job late in the year. In limited action, he has completed 51.5% of his throws for 196 yards, 1 touchdown and no picks. Nussmeier is still raw and developing but he has good arm strength and mobility. This bowl game will be a good litmus test for the young quarterback against a Big Ten defense.
Wisconsin’s Ground Attack Could Be the Difference Maker
Wisconsin’s strength on offense is their power run game, led by breakout freshman Braelon Allen. Despite mediocre quarterback play, Allen rumbled for 984 yards (5.4 YPC) and 12 touchdowns this season. His physical running style allows him to break tackles and move the chains consistently. If Wisconsin controls the time of possession, it will limit LSU’s opportunities and keep the game close.
LSU Has Playmakers at the Skill Positions
LSU has no shortage of firepower, with playmakers all over the field. Running back Logan Diggs put up 652 yards rushing while freshman Malik Nabers exploded onto the scene at wide receiver. Nabers hauled in 86 catches for 1,546 yards and 14 touchdowns, emerging as one of the top pass catchers in the nation. His big play ability will stress Wisconsin’s secondary.
NCAAF Betting Odds: LSU Tigers -360, Over/Under: 56
Despite Wisconsin’s strong running game, LSU is still a heavy 10-point favorite as -360 moneyline favorites. However, the Badgers are 13-11 against the spread over the past two seasons as underdogs. The over/under total sits at 56 points. LSU has the flashier offense but Wisconsin is capable of controlling possession and shortening the game.
Trends
Wisconsin Badgers Betting Trends
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Wisconsin’s last 5 games.
Wisconsin are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games against an opponent in the Southeastern conference.
Badgers are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games played in January.
Wisconsin are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing as the underdog.
LSU Tigers Betting Trends
Louisiana State are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games.
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Louisiana State’s last 16 games.
Louisiana State are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Louisiana State’s last 9 games against an opponent in the Big Ten conference.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Louisiana State’s last 5 games played in January.
Louisiana State are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games when playing as the favourite.
Wisconsin vs. LSU Betting Picks
Our analysis shows that LSU is the rightful favorite, with a high-flying offense versus a Wisconsin team that struggled to find consistency this season. However, the betting trends lean heavily towards Wisconsin when it comes to covering the spread. The Badgers are 13-11 ATS as dogs the last two years while LSU trends to high scoring shootouts.
Take the over 56 combined points along with Wisconsin +10. The Badgers will lean on their ground game to put together long drives and shorten the contest. If they can win the turnover battle, Wisconsin should be within single digits. Check out all the latest bowl game lines at top betting websites for the best odds this postseason.
Score Prediction: LSU 34, Wisconsin 24
