Tampa, FL
Jan 1, 2024
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The LSU Tigers clawed their way to a heart-stopping 35-31 victory over the Wisconsin Badgers in the ReliaQuest Bowl, held on January 1, 2024. The game kicked off with Wisconsin exhibiting early dominance, spearheaded by Tanner Mordecai's brilliance, resulting in a swift 14-0 lead in the first quarter. LSU, however, mounted a spirited comeback in the second quarter, with Harold Perkins Jr. and Kaleb Jackson each notching rushing touchdowns to level the score at 14-14. Just before halftime, Wisconsin showcased their own resilience, as Mordecai connected with Will Pauling for a 9-yard touchdown, establishing a 21-14 lead at the break.
The second half was an intense back-and-forth battle. The Badgers extended their lead to 28-14 with a 33-yard rushing touchdown by Jackson Acker. LSU's quarterback Garrett Nussmeier then stepped up, throwing two touchdowns in the third quarter—one a deep 38-yard strike to Brian Thomas Jr. and another to Chris Hilton Jr. for 14 yards—tying the game at 28. Wisconsin momentarily regained the lead with Nathanial Vakos' 21-yard field goal, but Nussmeier's heroics continued. A composed 98-yard drive culminated in a 4-yard touchdown pass to Brian Thomas Jr, giving LSU their first lead of the afternoon with just minutes remaining. Wisconsin's subsequent drive fell short, marred by key sacks and fumbles, sealing LSU's dramatic victory.
Tanner Mordecai (Wisconsin Badgers)
Wisconsin's Tanner Mordecai launched a precise 20-yard touchdown pass to Bryson Green, capping off a 5-play, 78-yard drive. Nathanial Vakos nailed the PAT, putting the Badgers up 7-0.
Tanner Mordecai (Wisconsin Badgers)
Tanner Mordecai connected with Will Pauling on a 53-yard touchdown pass. The play capped a lightning-fast 2-play drive over 60 yards, extending Wisconsin's lead. Vakos added the PAT, making it 14-0.
Harold Perkins Jr. (LSU Tigers)
LSU's Harold Perkins Jr. bulldozed his way into the end zone with a 1-yard rush, finishing an 8-play, 60-yard drive. Damian Ramos' extra point cut Wisconsin's lead to 14-7.
Kaleb Jackson (LSU Tigers)
Kaleb Jackson burst through for a 12-yard rushing touchdown, capping a 7-play, 67-yard drive. Ramos' PAT tied the game at 14-14, showcasing LSU's resilience.
Tanner Mordecai (Wisconsin Badgers)
Tanner Mordecai found Will Pauling for a 9-yard touchdown pass, concluding a swift 5-play, 75-yard drive just before halftime. Vakos' PAT put Wisconsin ahead 21-14.
Jackson Acker (Wisconsin Badgers)
Jackson Acker's 33-yard touchdown rush on an 8-play, 75-yard drive extended Wisconsin's lead to 28-14. Vakos continued his perfect PAT streak, further distancing the Badgers.
Garrett Nussmeier (LSU Tigers)
Garrett Nussmeier unleashed a 38-yard touchdown pass to Brian Thomas Jr., quickly closing the gap to 28-21. Ramos' PAT was successful, injecting momentum into LSU.
Garrett Nussmeier (LSU Tigers)
Nussmeier found Chris Hilton Jr. for a 14-yard touchdown, culminating a methodical 8-play, 70-yard drive. Ramos' PAT tied the game at 28-28, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
Nathanial Vakos (Wisconsin Badgers)
Nathanial Vakos nailed a 21-yard field goal, capping off a 6-play, 42-yard drive to put the Badgers ahead 31-28 late in the third quarter.
Garrett Nussmeier (LSU Tigers)
With the game on the line, Garrett Nussmeier orchestrated a superb 98-yard drive, ultimately connecting with Brian Thomas Jr. on a 4-yard touchdown pass. Ramos' PAT secured a 35-31 lead with 3:08 remaining.
Garrett Nussmeier (LSU Tigers, QB)
In his first collegiate start, Garrett Nussmeier stepped in for Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels and delivered a commanding performance, completing 31 of 45 passes for 395 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Nussmeier's poise was on full display during the Tigers' 98-yard game-winning drive, solidifying his status as a clutch performer.
Brian Thomas Jr. (LSU Tigers, WR)
Brian Thomas Jr. was instrumental for the Tigers, hauling in 8 receptions for 98 yards and two touchdowns. His second touchdown—a 4-yard catch from Nussmeier—was the game-winner, capping off a thrilling 98-yard drive.
Tanner Mordecai (Wisconsin Badgers, QB)
Tanner Mordecai had an impressive outing, throwing for 378 yards and three touchdowns. His performance kept Wisconsin competitive throughout, and he notched the first 300-yard game by a Badgers quarterback since 2019.
Will Pauling (Wisconsin Badgers, WR)
Will Pauling had a breakout game, catching 8 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns. He was a consistent deep threat for the Badgers, including a 53-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter.
Harold Perkins Jr. (LSU Tigers, LB)
Harold Perkins Jr. showcased his versatility by contributing on both sides of the ball. He rushed for a 1-yard touchdown while also delivering a solid defensive performance, demonstrating his multifaceted impact.
Kaleb Jackson (LSU Tigers, RB)
Kaleb Jackson added 28 yards from scrimmage and scored a crucial 12-yard rushing touchdown, helping LSU to rally back and tie the game in the second quarter.
Jackson Acker (Wisconsin Badgers, RB)
Jackson Acker rushed for a career-high 86 yards on 15 carries, including a 33-yard touchdown. His performance was key in extending Wisconsin's lead in the third quarter.
Hunter Wohler (Wisconsin Badgers, S)
Hunter Wohler posted seven tackles and a career-high two pass breakups. He capped his season with 120 tackles, ranking third in school history for a defensive back.
Ricardo Hallman (Wisconsin Badgers, CB)
Ricardo Hallman grabbed his seventh interception of the season, the most by a Badger since 2007. His solid coverage and ball-hawking skills were on display all game.
Wisconsin Badgers
14
7
10
0
31
LSU Tigers
0
14
14
7
35
