The Nuss Bus Has Arrived as New LSU Signal Caller Shines in 35-31 Win Over Wisconsin To Secure Second Straight 10 Win Season

Jayden Daniels had a magical season en route to a Heisman Trophy campaign and now, it was time for the LSU quarterback legend to pass the torch to his backup Garrett Nussmeier, who has waited three years to get his shot, and he took full advantage of it as he led the Tigers to their 10th win of the season with a 35-31 win over the Wisconsin Badgers in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

Back-To-Back 10 win seasons for Brian Kelly and the Tigers pic.twitter.com/DpaNXAcxHe
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) January 1, 2024

The Nuss Bus made its first stop in Tampa and it rolled its way to a MVP performance as the Tigers’ gunslinger completed 31 of 45 passes for 395 yards and three touchdowns to only one interception, but what was most impressive was that he led the Tigers to a 98 yard scoring drive to win the game.

“His ability to manage the moment, be calm in those situations, speaks to a guy that is going to only excel and get better as he plays more football.”
LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly on Garrett Nussmeier

Nuss 🚍

Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is the @ReliaQuestBowl MVP pic.twitter.com/0dMycTCj1K
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) January 1, 2024

While Nussmeier stepped in and played well for Daniels, the wide receiving core stepped up after Malik Nabers left the game. The All-American wide receiver left the game once he broke Josh Reed’s career receiving yard record with 3,002 yards. Stepping up for him is Brian Thomas Jr., who had eight catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns including the game winning touchdown to give the Tigers a four point lead with three minutes left.

Can't. Guard. Malik.

Malik Nabers has made history and set the LSU career receiving yard record. pic.twitter.com/xYUGMiIqyg
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) January 1, 2024

Chris Hilton Jr. showed his big play ability with three catches for 56 yards and a touchdown while Kyren Lacy and Mason Taylor combined for 13 grabs for 183 yards. The other two touchdowns were scored on the ground by Kaleb Jackson and most surprisingly, linebacker Harold Perkins, who got the Tigers first on the board with a rushing touchdown.

Nuss 🚍

Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is the @ReliaQuestBowl MVP pic.twitter.com/0dMycTCj1K
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) January 1, 2024

The Tigers had to battle their way back after trailing the majority of the game including being down 14-0. Wisconsin had one of their most productive passing days this season as Tanner Mordecai, who came in only throwing nine touchdowns this season, threw for three touchdowns today to go with 378 yards through the air. Two of Mordecai’s top receivers each had over 100 yards receiving as Will Pauling had 8 catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns while Bryson Green had seven catches for 105 yards and one touchdown. Jackson Acker added a 33 yard rushing touchdown to help complete the scoring for the Badgers.

Despite struggling throughout, the Tigers’ defense came up big when it mattered most. After trailing 31-28 entering the fourth quarter, LSU’s defense pitched a shutout in the final 15 minutes to give the Tigers the win. What made the difference was the pressure as Mekhi Wingo, who made his return back to the lineup after a lower body injury he suffered earlier this season, had two sacks on two consecutive drives to help close the deal.

Without two of their star All-American players in the lineup, LSU showed some grit and heart down the stretch in order for the Tigers to head into the offseason with a lot of momentum as Brian Kelly ends his second year with his second straight ten win season to kickoff the new year.

“A team that’s won 20 games over the last two years has a good foundational piece of what LSU Football expectations are. This is a team that year in and year out should be competing for a national championship.”
LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly

Earned Win No. 10 in Tampa pic.twitter.com/r1vudaaAr5
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) January 1, 2024

1st Quarter:

Well…That was easy.

5 play, 78 yard scoring drive for Wisconsin

Tanner Mordecai throws a dime to Bryson Green for the score.

Wisconsin 7, #LSU 0
08:28, 1Q
— Jace LeJeune (@JaceLejeune) January 1, 2024

BG with the TD ‼️

Badgers are on the board first #OnWisconsin x @brysonjgreen19 pic.twitter.com/hrusvHA4Nj
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) January 1, 2024

Not a good start for #LSU as after the Tigers give up a touchdown, their offense goes three and out and then follows with only a 39 yard punt.
— Jace LeJeune (@JaceLejeune) January 1, 2024

#LSU DB Major Burns makes an impressive open field tackle on third down to force fourth down.
— Jace LeJeune (@JaceLejeune) January 1, 2024

#LSU WR Malik Nabers has passed Josh Reed on the all-time list for most career receiving yards in program history!
— Jace LeJeune (@JaceLejeune) January 1, 2024

Can't. Guard. Malik.

Malik Nabers has made history and set the LSU career receiving yard record. pic.twitter.com/xYUGMiIqyg
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) January 1, 2024

#LSU turns the ball over on downs after the failed fourth down attempt.

Wisconsin is dominating the Tigers as two missed tackles allows the Badgers to score on a 53 yard touchdown.

Wisconsin 14, #LSU 0
0:23, 1Q
— Jace LeJeune (@JaceLejeune) January 1, 2024

Wisconsin dominates at the end of the 1st Quarter leading #LSU 14-0.

LSU: 2 punts and 1 turnover on downs
Wisconsin: 2 TDs in 3 drives
— Jace LeJeune (@JaceLejeune) January 1, 2024

WILLY P TUDDY 🙌#OnWisconsin x @Will_Paul6 pic.twitter.com/PRRSaz8Hq7
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) January 1, 2024

Wisconsin dominates at the end of the 1st Quarter leading #LSU 14-0.

LSU: 2 punts and 1 turnover on downs
Wisconsin: 2 TDs in 3 drives
— Jace LeJeune (@JaceLejeune) January 1, 2024

Wisconsin leads after 1 quarter pic.twitter.com/CGtIY41eo6
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) January 1, 2024

2nd Quarter:

Who had this on their scoring card for #LSU?

HAROLD PERKINS JR.

Wisconsin 14, #LSU 7
6:00, 2Q
— Jace LeJeune (@JaceLejeune) January 1, 2024

Linebacker Touchdown ✊@HP113k takes it in himself.
📺 ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/Fgtu8IvVaH
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) January 1, 2024

Field goal is no good!

Wisconsin still leads #LSU 14-7 with 3:56 left to play in the second quarter.
— Jace LeJeune (@JaceLejeune) January 1, 2024

Kaleb Jackson for the TD!!!!!#LSU ties the game up at 14 with back to back scoring drives.

1:28, 2Q
— Jace LeJeune (@JaceLejeune) January 1, 2024

Big Time Touchdown

Freshman @Kaleb_TheGreat ties it up for the Tigers
📺 ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/jg62A7YLQu
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) January 1, 2024

It took Wisconsin only 41 seconds to score a touchdown.

Then, Garrett Nussmeier throws an interception to give Wisconsin the ball back.
— Jace LeJeune (@JaceLejeune) January 1, 2024

DIFFERENT.

Willy P tuddy 2x#OnWisconsin x @Will_Paul6 pic.twitter.com/Fzcq9rcs0t
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) January 1, 2024

Halftime: Wisconsin 21, #LSU 14
— Jace LeJeune (@JaceLejeune) January 1, 2024

The Tigers trail at halftime in Tampa pic.twitter.com/YEBNUQfEFC
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) January 1, 2024

3rd Quarter:

Whether it is running or passing, Wisconsin is having their way with #LSU.

This time, the Tigers give up a 33 yard rushing touchdown.

Wisconsin 28, LSU 14
12:13, 3Q
— Jace LeJeune (@JaceLejeune) January 1, 2024

Don't worry guys … we still run the ball 😁#OnWisconsin x @AckerJackson pic.twitter.com/EmLUxFnPPS
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) January 1, 2024

Throw it up to BT @Garrettnuss13 ➡️ @BrianThomas_11

📺 ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/1j1lKG2qWu
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) January 1, 2024

#LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier throws a touchdown to Chris Hilton Jr.

The play is under further review.
— Jace LeJeune (@JaceLejeune) January 1, 2024

The ruling on the field stands! TD LSU!
— Jace LeJeune (@JaceLejeune) January 1, 2024

THAT'S A TOUCHDOWN@Garrettnuss13 ➡️ @iamchrishilton1 pic.twitter.com/C5bI3YERZQ
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) January 1, 2024

After one big play by Wisconsin, the #LSU defense stands goal by forcing a field goal.

Wisconsin 31, LSU 28
0:58, 3Q
— Jace LeJeune (@JaceLejeune) January 1, 2024

One quarter remaining in Tampa pic.twitter.com/aQjN6NEqid
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) January 1, 2024

4th Quarter:

Garrett Nussmeier throws his third touchdown pass of the game and the second to Brian Thomas Jr.

It was a 43 yard completion to Chris Hilton Jr. that set the touchdown up.#LSU takes their first lead of the game 35-31

3:03, 4Q
— Jace LeJeune (@JaceLejeune) January 1, 2024

No. 1️⃣8️⃣ brings 'em down @WingoMekhi

📺 ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/30m0QQd4C2
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) January 1, 2024

Nuss to Brian Thomas Jr. AGAIN@Garrettnuss13 ➡️ @BrianThomas_11

📺 ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/jtJ8gU1ZgB
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) January 1, 2024

Mekhi Wingo has come up big in getting pressure the last two drives. #LSU
— Jace LeJeune (@JaceLejeune) January 1, 2024

No. 1️⃣8️⃣ brings 'em down @WingoMekhi

📺 ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/30m0QQd4C2
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) January 1, 2024

Greg Penn!!!!
— Jace LeJeune (@JaceLejeune) January 1, 2024

Defense called GAME‼️

📺 ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/NXOXJUyrRA
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) January 1, 2024

#LSU secures their second straight 10th win season with a 35-31 win over Wisconsin.

The Tigers defense struggled throughout, but came up big when it mattered most and Garrett Nussmeier shines in his first start.

More to come in postgame article at https://t.co/aUuyVZb38z!
— Jace LeJeune (@JaceLejeune) January 1, 2024

Final Stats:

Offensive Cumulative Stats

STAT	Wisconsin	LSU
NET TOTAL YARDS	506	492
NET RUSHING YARDS	128	97
Rushing Attempts	34	25
Average Per Rush	3.8	3.9
Rushing TDs	1	2
Yards Gained	170	103
Yards Lost	42	6
NET PASSING YARDS	378	395
Completion-Attempts	27-40	31-45
Completion Percentage	68%	69%
Avg Per Completion	14.0	12.7
YAC	143	148
Passing TDs	3	3
Drops (%)	3 (08%)	1 (02%)
TOTAL 1ST DOWNS	22	26
Rushing 1st Downs	7	7
Passing 1st Downs	14	18
Penalty 1st Downs	1	1
TOTAL PLAYS	74	70
Avg Yds/Play	6.8	7
Rushing-Passing	34-40	25-45

Offense Efficiency Comparison:

STAT	Wisconsin	LSU
RED ZONE ATTEMPTS	3-4	4-4
Red Zone Points	17	28
RZ TDs Rush-Pass	0-2	2-2
RZ FG Made-Att	1-1	0-0
RZ Turns	1	0
3rd Downs	6-15	3-9
4th Downs	0-2	0-1
Penalties	7-50	5-45
Fumbles-Lost	2-1	0-0
Pts Off Turns	0	0
POSSESSION TIME	31:00	29:00

Special Teams Comparison:

STAT	Wisconsin	LSU
Punts-Avg	5-35.4	5-38.0
Inside20	3	1
Field Goals	1-2	0-0
Kick Returns	4-85	4-59
Punt Returns	0-0	1-5

Defensive Comparison:

STAT	Wisconsin	LSU
TACKLES	77	73
Solo Tackles	25	37
Tackles for Loss	3	7
TFL Yards	-5	-42
Pass Breakups	3	2
QB Hurries	3	3
Sacks	0	5
Sacks Yards	-0	-36
Takeaways FR-INT	0-1	1-0
Forced Fumbles	0	2
Fumble Recoveries	0	1
FR Yards	0	0
Interceptions	1	0
INT Yards	10	0
TDs INT-FR	0-0	0-0

Wisconsin Passing:

#	PLAYER	C-A	YDS	TD	I	C%	RTG
8	MORDECAI,T	27-40	378	3	0	68	171.6

Wisconsin Receiving:

#	PLAYER	NO	YDS	TD	LNG	AVG	TGT	C%	YAC	DR
6	PAULING,W	8	143	2	53	17.9	10	80	71	0
9	GREEN,B	7	105	1	36	15	13	54	8	2
12	KEKAHUNA,T	4	64	0	24	16	4	100	11	0
86	ANTHONY,V	3	15	0	8	5	4	75	16	0
5	BURROUGHS,Q	2	15	0	9	7.5	3	67	1	0
34	ACKER,J	1	22	0	22	22	1	100	24	0
87	RUCCI,H	1	13	0	13	13	1	100	9	0
37	NOWAKOWSKI,R	1	1	0	1	1	1	100	3	0
4	WILLIAMS,C	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1
	8 RECEIVERS	27	378	3	53	14	38	71	143	3

Wisconsin Rushing:

#	PLAYER	ATT	YDS	TD	LNG	AVG
34	ACKER,J	14	86	1	33	6.1
25	YACAMELLI,C	7	45	0	21	6.4
8	MORDECAI,T	13	-3	0	11	-0.2
	3 RUSHERS	34	128	1	33	3.8

Wisconsin Punting:

Punter	NO	YDS	AVG	LNG	I20	50+
BERTRAMS,A	5	177	35.4	48	3	0

Wisconsin Field Goals:

Kicker	Time	Dist	Result
N.Vakos	2nd-03:56	51	MISSED
N.Vakos	3rd-01:18	21	GOOD
TOTAL	1-2	LONG OF 21

Wisconsin All Purpose Yards:

Player	Tot	Rush	Rec	TDs
PAULING,W	143	0	143	2
ACKER,J	108	86	22	1
GREEN,B	105	0	105	1

Wisconsin Defense:

#	Player (Starter)	TotTk	Solo	TFL	Int	BrUp	QBH
55	M.Njongmeta (LB)	10	3	0	0	0	1
9	A.Brown (S)	8	6	0	0	0	0
10	N.Fourqurean (DB)	8	3	0	0	0	0
24	H.Wohler (S)	7	1	1	0	2	0
36	J.Chaney (LB)	7	2	1	0	0	0
98	C.Goetz (LB)	5	0	0	0	0	0
2	R.Hallman (CB)	4	3	0	1	0	0
13	K.Latu (S)	3	1	0	0	1	0
14	P.Zachman	3	1	0	0	0	0
17	D.Peterson (LB)	3	1	0.5	0	0	1
39	T.Grass	3	3	0	0	0	0
18	O.Arnett	2	0	0	0	0	0
44	J.Pietrowski	2	1	0	0	0	0
68	B.Barten	2	0	0	0	0	0
90	J.Thompson Jr. (DE)	2	0	0.5	0	0	0
94	G.Paez	2	0	0	0	0	0
21	J.Duclona	1	0	0	0	0	0
28	C.Alliegro	1	0	0	0	0	0
43	G.Bortolotti	1	0	0	0	0	0
43	J.Trudgeon	1	0	0	0	0	0
59	A.Witt	1	0	0	0	0	0
92	C.Neal (DT)	1	0	0	0	0	1
	TOTALS	77	25	3	1	3	3

Wisconsin Punt Returns:

Returner	NO	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD

Wisconsin Kick Returns:

Returner	NO	YDS	AVG	LNG
ANTHONY,V	3	63	21	28
KEKAHUNA,T	1	22	22	22
TOTAL	4	85	21	28

Wisconsin Team Stats By Quarter:

	1st	Rush	Pass	CAI	TotY	Avg	3rds	Pens
1st	4	5-20	5-127	5-5-0	147	14.7	1-2	2-10
2nd	7	8-52	15-92	9-15-0	144	6.3	0-3	2-10
3rd	6	10-48	8-76	5-8-0	124	6.9	2-4	2-20
4th	5	11-8	12-83	8-12-0	91	4	3-6	1-10
Total	22	34-128	40-378	27-40-0	506	6.8	6-15	7-50

Wisconsin Scoring Summary:

Qtr	Clock	Score	Type	Play	Drive	Score
1	08:28	TD	PASS	B.Green 20 yd reception thrown by T.Mordecai (PAT KICK by N.Vakos GOOD)	5/78/2:15	0-7
1	00:23	TD	PASS	W.Pauling 53 yd reception thrown by T.Mordecai (PAT KICK by N.Vakos GOOD)	2/60/0:28	0-14
2	00:47	TD	PASS	W.Pauling 9 yd reception thrown by T.Mordecai (PAT KICK by N.Vakos GOOD)	5/75/0:41	14-21
3	12:14	TD	RUSH	J.Acker 33 yd rush (PAT KICK by N.Vakos GOOD)	8/75/2:46	14-28
3	01:18	FG		N.Vakos 21 yd Field Goal	6/42/3:19	28-31

LSU Passing

#	PLAYER	C-A	YDS	TD	I	C%	RTG
13	NUSSMEIER,G	31-45	395	3	1	69	160.2

LSU Receiving

#	PLAYER	NO	YDS	TD	LNG	AVG	TGT	C%	YAC	DR
11	THOMAS JR.,B	8	98	2	38	12.3	13	62	24	0
86	TAYLOR,M	7	88	0	25	12.6	7	100	45	0
2	LACY,K	6	95	0	37	15.8	7	86	29	1
17	HILTON JR.,C	3	56	1	43	18.7	5	60	0	0
8	NABERS,M	3	23	0	11	7.7	5	60	9	0
27	WILLIAMS,J	3	22	0	11	7.3	3	100	28	0
28	JACKSON,K	1	13	0	13	13	1	100	13	0
	7 RECEIVERS	31	395	3	43	12.7	44	70	148	1

LSU Rushing

#	PLAYER	ATT	YDS	TD	LNG	AVG
27	WILLIAMS,J	12	51	0	12	4.3
21	CAIN,N	6	31	0	12	5.2
28	JACKSON,K	2	15	1	12	7.5
4	PERKINS JR.,H	1	1	1	1	1
3	DIGGS,L	1	1	0	1	1
25	HOLLY,T	1	0	0	0	0
	6 RUSHERS	25	97	2	12	3.9

LSU Punting

Punter	NO	YDS	AVG	LNG	I20	50+
BRAMBLETT,J	5	190	38	49	1	0

LSU Field Goals

Kicker	Time	Dist	Result
TOTAL	0-0	LONG OF 0

LSU All Purpose Yards

Player	Tot	Rec	TDs
THOMAS JR.,B	98	98	2
LACY,K	95	95	0
TAYLOR,M	88	88	0

LSU Defense

#	Player (Starter)	TotTk	Solo	Sack	TFL	BrUp	QBH	FF
8	M.Burns (DB)	13	9	0	1.5	0	0	0
40	W.Weeks	8	2	0	0.5	0	0	0
14	A.Sam (S)	7	3	0	0	0	0	0
30	G.Penn III (LB)	7	1	1	1	0	1	1
15	S.Ryan	6	4	0	0	2	0	0
1	O.Speights (LB)	4	2	0	0	0	0	0
4	H.Perkins Jr. (LB)	4	2	0	0	0	1	0
2	O.Oghoufo (LB)	3	1	0	0	0	0	0
16	D.Womack	3	2	0	0	0	0	0
18	M.Wingo	3	2	2	2	0	0	0
26	A.Stamps (DB)	3	2	0	0	0	0	0
21	R.Yaites	2	1	0	0	0	0	0
35	S.Jones (DE)	2	0	0	0	0	0	0
99	J.Jefferson (DT)	2	2	1	1	0	0	1
0	M.Smith (DE)	1	1	1	1	0	0	0
6	J.Allen	1	1	0	0	0	0	0
11	J.Howard	1	0	0	0	0	1	0
25	J.Toviano (S)	1	1	0	0	0	0	0
27	J.Williams	1	1	0	0	0	0	0
94	P.Shand	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
	TOTALS	73	37	5	7	2	3	2

LSU Punt Returns

Returner	NO	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
CLAYTON JR.,G	1	5	05	5	0

LSU Kick Returns

Returner	NO	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD
NICHOLAS,J	4	59	15	25	0

LSU Team Stats By Quarter

	1st	Rush	Pass	CAI	TotY	Avg	3rds	Pens
1st	5	6-11	14-82	10-14-0	93	4.7	0-3	2-10
2nd	9	8-42	12-97	8-12-1	139	7	1-2	1-15
3rd	9	6-28	11-119	8-11-0	147	8.6	1-1	2-20
4th	3	5-16	8-97	5-8-0	113	8.7	1-3	0-0
Total	26	25-97	45-395	31-45-1	492	7	3-9	5-45

LSU Scoring Summary

Qtr	Clock	Score	Type	Play	Drive	Score
2	06:00	TD	RUSH	H.Perkins Jr. 1 yd rush (PAT KICK by D.Ramos GOOD)	8/60/3:11	7-14
2	01:28	TD	RUSH	K.Jackson 12 yd rush (PAT KICK by D.Ramos GOOD)	7/67/2:28	14-14
3	10:33	TD	PASS	B.Thomas Jr. 38 yd reception thrown by G.Nussmeier (PAT KICK by D.Ramos GOOD)	5/75/1:36	21-28
3	04:44	TD	PASS	C.Hilton Jr. 14 yd reception thrown by G.Nussmeier (PAT KICK by D.Ramos GOOD)	8/70/3:10	28-28
4	03:08	TD	PASS	B.Thomas Jr. 4 yd reception thrown by G.Nussmeier (PAT KICK by D.Ramos GOOD)	8/98/3:02	35-31

The Nuss Bus Has Arrived as New LSU Signal Caller Shines in 35-31 Win Over Wisconsin To Secure Second Straight 10 Win Season

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