The biennial football tradition of the bowl games season is an eagerly anticipated event for many fans and teams across the nation, presenting an opportunity for showcasing their skills before the season concludes. The recently announced match-up for the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl has created much excitement, with the 13th-ranked LSU Tigers set to face Wisconsin on January 1st at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa amidst New Year celebrations.
Scheduled for an 11 a.m. CT kickoff, this game marks a rematch between two football powerhouses, with LSU holding a 3-1 historical advantage over Wisconsin. The game will be aired on ESPN2, promising an exciting clash for both teams.
The Tigers have enjoyed an impressive season, finishing with a 9-3 overall record and securing a No. 13 rank in the CFP, AP, and Coaches polls. Their strong performance in November, winning six out of their final seven games, including notable victories over Florida, Georgia State, and Texas A&M, has positioned them as formidable contenders.
Meanwhile, Wisconsin enters the game with a two-game winning streak and a 7-5 overall mark. SEC football coach Brian Kelly has expressed enthusiasm regarding the matchup against a formidable opponent in Wisconsin, led by the renowned Luke Fickell, making for a thrilling encounter for the Tigers.
Wisconsin’s recent performances have been underpinned by a robust defense, allowing an average of only 18.5 points per game and 331.7 total yards per game. A matchup with LSU’s high-scoring offense is anticipated to result in a compelling face-off as both teams aim to make an impact at the ReliaQuest Bowl.
This forthcoming game marks the Tigers’ third appearance in the ReliaQuest Bowl, presenting an opportunity for the team to improve on their previous outings. Athletic Director Scott Woodward sees the bowl season as an exciting chance for LSU to demonstrate their football prowess and represent the university on a national stage.
In addition to LSU’s participation in the ReliaQuest Bowl, the recent announcement from the College Football Playoff Committee unveiled the destinations of several Southeastern Conference teams for other prestigious bowls, including the Rose Bowl presented by Prudential, Capital One Orange Bowl, Goodyear Cotton Bowl, and the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Notably, No. 4-ranked Alabama’s participation in the Rose Bowl presented by Prudential, which is a College Football Playoff semifinal game against Michigan.
With LSU’s participation in the ReliaQuest Bowl and other SEC teams also securing prestigious bowl game berths, the strength of the SEC in college football is clearly evident.
For Tigers fans and football enthusiasts, the New Year’s festivities in Tampa promises to be an enthralling experience, with high hopes for LSU to emerge victorious on the national stage at the ReliaQuest Bowl.
As the anticipation builds in the weeks leading up to the game, all eyes are on Raymond James Stadium, eagerly awaiting an action-packed encounter between two of college football’s most formidable programs.