College football season is close to being underway and we are hyped right now here at 103.7 the Game! Without further ado, let’s preview the matchup between the LSU Tigers and the Wisconsin Badgers.
Last Meeting
These two teams last met up in 2014 in Houston to start the season and the Tigers rallied in the fourth quarter to take down the Badgers 28-14. LSU also leads the overall series 3-0
What to Watch For
Big Game Bart: The Badgers have named their quarterback and it is none other than senior Bart Houston. He saw some playing time in 2015, but didn’t exactly set the world on fire, completing 27 of 47 passes in seven games, 22 of which came in a win over Illinois. There is a chance that the Badgers might have a two quarterback system, occasionally throwing in Alex Hornibrook. I wouldn’t expect seeing this against a team like LSU especially with the talented defense under new coordinator Dave Aranda.
Homecoming of Sorts: Speaking of Aranda, this will be his first game back in Wisconsin after being signed to a deal with LSU at the beginning of the year. If there’s one edge that the Badgers have over the Bayou Bengals, it’s that they know how Aranda’s new school defense looks after having the system for three seasons. But at the same time, Aranda knows how Wisconsin works from the inside and that has helped head coach Les Miles while scouting the team during the offseason.
Battle on the Ground: With less than stellar quarterbacks for both LSU and Wisconsin, expect to see a lot of yards coming on the ground. Obviously LSU will be using Leonard Fournette as much as possible on Saturday night, but they will be keeping an eye on him with his recent ankle injury in camp. But at the same time, they have Derrius Guice ready to go especially if Fournette is on a “pitch count”. With the Badgers, they’ll have Corey Clement who showed signs of good ability in the previous meeting between the two.
No Leaping in Lambeau: One of the great traditions inside Lambeau Field is the “Lambeau Leap”. However, this will not be tolerated from both teams on Saturday. Miles went as far to say that if a player does the leap they’ll be sticking their thumb out looking for a ride home after the game. It just doesn’t seem like that would stop a player like Fournette, but the star running back heard the message from the Mad Hatter loud and clear.
LSU Will Win If:
The Tigers can win this game if they control the game defensively. This defense has all kinds of talent and with Aranda at the helm, the defense could be shutting things down on Saturday inside Lambeau Field.
Wisconsin Will Win If:
The Badgers could win if they can get the passing game going. Back in 2014, the guy under center couldn’t get things going through the air, throwing two interceptions and only completing eight of twenty-four passes. Last season, the self-proclaimed “DBU” did not live up to that hype and if the secondary can’t perform as well, this will be a long game for the Bayou Bengals and a possible upset brewing.
-Clint Domingue