Wisconsin vs. LSU in the ReliaQuest Bowl is a great matchup between teams from the Big Ten and SEC, and the game will add fuel to the fire of the best conference debate for the 2023 season. This contest could also offer a glimpse into the future of both programs, as next season's potential starting QBs are showcased.
Live ReliaQuest Bowl odds have LSU as the favorite, with Wisconsin bettors offered on the point spread and a moneyline of . The OVER/UNDER total is .
Each team has a lot of players opting out of the ReliaQuest Bowl, giving younger players an opportunity to start or at least get significant playing time.
LSU started this regular season slowly, going 2-3 SU and ATS. The Tigers finished strong, though, winning six of their last seven games and covering in each of their six wins.
For the Badgers, their first season in the Luke Fickell era had some great moments and some embarrassing ones. Wisconsin underachieved, covering only four spreads in 12 opportunities. The offense struggled, and OVER cashed in only one of Wisconsin's last five games.
Kickoff is set for noon on New Year's Day (ESPN2).
Live odds for Wisconsin vs. LSU: Tigers lay big spread
Here are the spread, moneyline, and total points live odds for the ReliaQuest Bowl matchup between Wisconsin and LSU at the best online sportsbooks.
More New Year's Day betting action: Alabama vs. Michigan props | Rose Bowl touchdown scorer props | National championship futures odds
Wisconsin Badgers betting news
The story of the season for the Badgers was their inconsistency on offense and inability to put up points in crucial moments. Less-than-stellar quarterback play was a big reason why. In fairness, starter Tanner Mordecai was injured and missed several games. Yet, even when Mordecai was healthy, he was nothing spectacular.
Between Mordecai and Braedyn Locke, Wisconsin had only 11 passing touchdowns the entire season. The passing attack averaged just over 200 yards per game, making it one of the worst aerial schemes in the Big Ten. Braelon Allen was excellent at running back, rushing for 984 yards and 12 touchdowns. He could not do it alone in the bigger games, though, with opponents stacking the box.
With Tyler Van Dyke already committing as a transfer quarterback to the Badgers, this could be Braedyn Locke's last chance to prove he could still be the future quarterback for Wisconsin. He will face a tough challenge with several of his best offensive weapons and several offensive linemen opting out of the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Wisconsin player opt-outs for ReliaQuest Bowl
The Badgers have potentially the most opt-outs of any team in college football for their contest against LSU. Not only are several key players opting out to prepare for the NFL Draft, but there are also a lot of players in the transfer portal.
- Braelon Allen, RB (NFL Draft)
- Tanor Bortolini, OL (NFL Draft)
- Trey Wedig, OT (transfer portal)
- Skyler Bell, WR (transfer portal)
- Chimere Dike, WR (transfer portal)
- Dylan Barrett, OL (transfer portal)
- Myles Burkett, QB (transfer portal)
- Keontez Lewis, WR (transfer portal)
- Markus Allen, WR (transfer portal)
- Jason Maitre, CB (NFL Draft)
- Jordan Mayer, DE (transfer portal)
- Amaun Williams, CB (transfer portal)
- Jordan Turner, LB (transfer portal)
- Rodas Johnson, DL (transfer portal)
- Darian Varner, DL (transfer portal)
- Leon Lowery, DE (Transfer portal)
- Keane Bessert, LS (transfer portal)
LSU Tigers betting news
LSU will be heading in a new direction after an incredible year from their Heisman-winning quarterback, Jayden Daniels. Garrett Nussmeier looks to take over, and as a former five-star recruit, he has the physical tools to be one of college football's best passers next season. The ReliaQuest Bowl is his first chance to prove he deserves to be the unquestioned starter in Baton Rouge next season.
He will be without a few of his skill players on offense, but so far, none of the best players for LSU have opted out on the offensive side besides Daniels. With incredible receiving targets like Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., each 1,000-plus-yard wide receivers, everything is setting up for Nussmeier to have an outstanding performance.
LSU player opt-outs for ReliaQuest Bowl
LSU will be missing quite a few important players, including their Heisman-winning quarterback for the ReliaQuest Bowl. It will take some younger players stepping up and making a name for themselves for the first time with the key pieces out for the Tigers.
- Jayden Daniels, QB (NFL Draft)
- Marlon Martinez, OL (transfer portal)
- Tre Bradford, RB (transfer portal)
- Armoni Goodwin, RB (transfer portal)
- Corren Norman, RB (transfer portal)
- Quency Wiggins, DL (transfer portal)
- Laterrance Welch, CB (transfer portal)
- Bryce Langston, DT (transfer portal)
- Sage Ryan, S (transfer portal)
- Duce Chestnut, CB (Transfer portal)
Also check: Bowl game odds | Best betting apps
Wisconsin vs. LSU game props at FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook offers a solid menu of prop markets for the ReliaQuest Bowl between the Badgers and Tigers. Here's a sampling:
- Wisconsin +8.5 & OVER 55.5 points (+300)
- Wisconsin +8.5 & UNDER 55.5 points (+260)
- LSU -8.5 & OVER 55.5 points (+230)
- LSU -8.5 & UNDER 55.5 points (250)
- First-half spread: Wisconsin +6.5 (-105) vs. LSU -6.5 (-115)
- First-half total points: 28.5 points OVER (+110) / UNDER (-134)
- Wisconsin 21.5 total points OVER (-115) / UNDER (-111)
- LSU 33.5 total points OVER (-115) / UNDER (-111)
Wisconsin vs LSU prediction: Tigers offense dominant even without Daniels
Jayden Daniels won the Heisman and deservedly so, but a lot of credit is due to his incredible cast of offensive weapons. Garrett Nussmeier is trying to prove he deserves to be the next LSU starter, which should lead to him having a great game and the Tiger's offense continuing their incredible season.
Pick: LSU to cover the spread ()
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