Wisconsin Badgers
TAMPA, FL (WSAU) — The Badgers couldn’t overcome a late LSU touchdown from Brian Thomas, falling to LSU 35-31 in the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl.
QB Tanner Mordecai finished 27/40 for 378 yards and three touchdowns. He didn’t throw a pick in the game but was charged with two fumbles (one lost) including one on a potential game-winning drive in the fourth quarter. That drop was recovered by WR Vinny Anthony II.
Jackson Acker led the ground game with 14 carries for 86 yards and a score. WR Will Pauling caught eight passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns.
Lousiana State was without Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, who opted out of the game to prepare for the NFL Draft. Garrett Nussmeier went 31/45 for 395 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in his place.
Maema Njongmeta led the defense with ten tackles (three solo). Richardo Hallman recorded one interception.
Wisconsin had an opportunity to go for the game-winning touchdown on a 2nd and two from the LSU 19 but failed to gain forward progress. Mordecai took three consecutive sacks to end the drive on downs at the LSU 45.
The Badgers held leads of 14-0 and 28-14 early in the first and second halves, respectively, only to see LSU come back each time.
Wisconsin falls to 2-4 in the Tampa bowl game which has been known by three different names; the Hall of Fame Bowl, Outback Bowl, and now the ReliaQuest Bowl. The Badgers will now look to spring football this March and April before the 2024 season kicks off on August 31st at Camp Randall Stadium against Western Michigan University. The new season will also be highlighted by Big Ten games against newcomers USC and Oregon and a non-conference tilt with Alabama.
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