The Wisconsin Badgers and the LSU Tigers meet Monday in Reliaquest Bowl college football action from Raymond James Stadium. Wisconsin has won consecutive games in their last pair, most recently taking out Minnesota to move the Badgers to 7-5 on the year. As for LSU, they’re 9-3 overall and riding a three-game win streak. The Tigers beat Texas A&M in their last game. Let’s get into our Wisconsin vs. LSU prediction. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.
Wisconsin Badgers
The Badgers were only able to maintain a .500 clip through their first 10 games this year, taking losses to Washington State, Iowa, Ohio State, Indiana and Northwestern during that time. Wisconsin has managed a tepid 22.8 points per game average this season, with 206.9 yards passing per game alongside 11 touchdowns and five interceptions total.
The Badgers were able to muscle out a win over Minnesota in their last matchup. After a 14-14 tie in the first half, Wisconsin scored another couple of touchdowns in the third on the way to a 28-14 win. Quarterback Tanner Mordecai put up 145 yards with two scores and an interception while Braelon Allen rushed 26 times for 165 yards and two more TDs.
Wisconsin Badgers Team Facts
- Wisconsin has lost each of its last nine games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams.
- Wisconsin has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games against AP-ranked teams at neutral venues.
- Wisconsin has won the first half in 26 of its last 32 games against non-conference opponents.
- Each of Wisconsin’s last five games as an underdog at neutral venues have gone UNDER the total points line.
LSU Tigers
Over on the Tigers’ side, they’ve only got three blemishes on the schedule this year. Those losses all came to ranked teams in Florida State, Ole Miss and Alabama. LSU is scoring very well this year with 46.4 points per game. The Tigers average 334.3 yards per game through the air with 41 passing scores alongside four picks.
LSU kept their winning run going versus Texas A&M in their last game back on November 25. The Tigers were down 24-21 going into the final quarter but then scored 21 more points in a 42-30 comeback effort. Jayden Daniels posted 235 pass yards with four scores and also led the rushing attack with 11 carries for 120 yards in the victory.
LSU Tigers Team Facts
- LSU has won each of its last nine games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- The favorite has covered the spread in each of LSU’s last seven games.
- LSU has won the first quarter in eight of its last nine games against non-conference opponents.
- LSU has won the first half in each of its last eight games against non-conference opponents.
Fifteen of LSU’s last 16 games have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- LSU rank 1st among FBS teams for points per game this season (46.4).
- The LSU are one of only 14 FBS teams undefeated in home games this season ((7-0)).
- Wisconsin rank 19th among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (18.9).
ANDREW’S FREE WISCONSIN VS LSU PREDICTION
I’m going to stay with LSU. This is mostly an endorsement of LSU’s offense, which got a bit of a late start in their last outing versus Texas A&M. LSU ended up with a solid 389 total yards (235 passing) in that one and took care of the ball well with zero turnovers. That makes 42 or more points in three straight games for the Tigers, and 42 or more points in seven of their last eight as well.
As for Wisconsin, they’re going to need a good defensive effort in order to keep pace here. The Badgers are certainly capable of that, as they held Minnesota in check with just 286 total yards (167 passing) and a couple of turnovers in their last matchup. The Badgers have given up just 31 combined points in their last pair, and have given up more than 24 points just once this year (31 versus Washington State on September 9). I like LSU’s offense to carry the team to a cover, but you could argue it either way.