Here's a chance for Wiscy to salvage something of a disappointing debut season for HC Luke Fickell, and especially for SMYU transfer QB tanner Mordecai, who tossed 72 TD passes the previous two seasons but only six in 2023 with the badgers, while missing a month due to a hand injury. Top RB Braelon Allen also skips this game in Tampa. It's also not the same LSU in the bowl game with Heisman winner Jayden Daniels skipping, and backup Garrett Nussmeier getting his shot at QB. The Tiger D had its problems this season, however, and without Daniels to outscore the opposition, hardly sure we should be laying this many points. Play Wisconsin (Reliaquest Bowl)

Wait, isn't LSU the team missing its starting QB? Yes, Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels is outa here, but all other Tigers' hands are on deck. Wisconsin, who can less afford defections, has plenty: three contributors in the NFL Draft, four more in the portal. The majority occupied skill positions on offense. The trends favor the Tigers at the close of the season (6-1 ATS in the last seven outings) and in bowls (6-2 straight-up and ATS in the last eight). Regarding Daniels' understudy: Garrett Nussmeier is a former high-profile recruit who might throw a better deep ball than his mentor.

We will blindly play the Under with Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels officially announcing he will not play in the bowl game. I'd thus now expect his top two WRs, Brian Thomas and Malik Nabers, to bail as well.