LSU vs Wisconsin – Preview and Prediction
LSU 10 WISCONSIN (44.5)
Implied Projected Score: LSU 27.25 Wisconsin 17.25
MEGALOCKS LINE – LSU 13
The Game
LSU takes on Wisconsin in one of the better match-ups in a fantastic lineup of college football. The Tigers boast one of the best players in college football in RB Leonard Fournette and the Badgers had the #1 scoring defense in the FBS last season. Buckle up.
The Match-Up
LSU offense vs Wisconsin defense
This should be fun. Heisman candidate and 1,900 yard rusher Leonard Fournette and the Tigers’ solid offensive line go head-to-head with a run defense that allowed less than 100 (!) yards per game rushing last season. While it is true that the Badgers will miss LB Joe Schobert and his 19.5 TFL (!) the front seven still looks really good on paper. The secondary is a bit of a concern with only one returning starter in the group and QBBrandon Harris will have to be trusted to MATRICULATE in the passing game if LSU wants to pull away. Otherwise it is probably gonna be a 4-quarter slugfest. The Badgers have a new DC (more on this below) and it is unclear what kind of impact that will have in this game.
Wisconsin offense vs LSU defense
We have significant concerns about the Badgers’ ability to move the ball in this game. The Badgers only averaged 150 yards rushing per game last year, and you probably have to go back to the black-and-white TV era to find another season that disappointing when it comes to running the football. RB Corey Clement hopes to have a big senior season, but we do not think you can just turn it on with the flip of a switch. The Badgers only averaged 3.8 yards per carry last season and lost OL Dan Voltz to retirement.
Wisconsin QB Bart Houston has a daunting challenge facing the Tigers’ defense and will have to do it without last year’s leading receiver Alex Erickson.
The LSU defense was a disappointment last season but should be flat out NASTY this season. Former BADGERS (!) DC Dave Aranda is at LSU in 2016 and one can only speculate as to his influence on the outcome. It probably cannot hurt.
Tasty Tidbits
This game takes place at LAMBEAU FIELD in Green Bay and there is already Lambeau Leap controversy….heaven forbid anyone have FUN….LSU and Wisconsin opened up the 2014 season in Houston….LSU won the game 28-24….Wisconsin only has 13 seniors listed on the 2-deep depth chart for whatever that is worth…..Did not fact check this (oops) but read that LSU is 52-0 in their past 52 non-conference games EXCLUDING bowls…..waaaat ???
Summary
Definitely lean to LSU in this one and need to think about it a bit longer. Yes the game is being played in Green Bay but just not sure it matters that much. The under has been STEAMED down, which makes sense, to around 44 and that makes an under place a bit risky for our tastes.
Conclusion
No official play. Yet.
Lean: Lean to LSU at -10 or better. Still thinking about making it an official play. Line will most likely not go higher than 10. <crosses fingers>