Wisconsin Badgers vs. LSU Tigers: Preview, Predictions and Viewing Info

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When: Saturday, Sept. 3; 2:30 PM CT
Where: Green Bay, Wis.; Lambeau Field (80,735)
TV: ABC
Radio: Badger Sports Network
Last Meeting: LSU win, 28-24 (Aug. 30, 2014)
All-Time Series: LSU leads 3-0

Welcome to La-la-la-Lambeau Field.

The time is finally upon us all to gather at the mecca of American football, regardless of pro or college affiliation. Having this matchup as the first FBS football game to ever be played at the iconic stadium is special, but when the first whistle is blown and the pads start popping none of that will matter.

It will all come down to one team clad in Cardinal and White vs. a team in Purple and Gold.

Storylines abound, pundits are in love with the Tigers and Wisconsin has little chance…but is that reality or just a fantasy of those who slobber all over the SEC and couldn’t name a single player not named Biegel on the UW defense?

Let’s take a look at all you need to know about the Badgers vs. Tigers for this Saturday.



Biggest Storyline to Watch: Who has Advantage in Aranda vs. UW


There’s no secret that former Wisconsin Badgers defensive coordinator has given his new team, LSU, all the lowdown it can handle on his former team. Usually these types of matchups take awhile to happen, but in this case Aranda has very direct knowledge of just about every player who will see the field for the Badgers in 2016.

On the flip side, UW knows exactly what Dave Aranda is capable of in his play-calling and scheming. Sure, he may have a few tricks up his sleeve and access to “better athletes,” but he is also still going to be calling his first game with this group. Wisconsin’s offense may not be fancy, but people wholly underestimate the knowledge and ability of Paul Chryst as a play caller himself.

Knowing what Chyrst can be capable of in his play calling, we’re calling this whole situation a wash. Any information that Aranda has given will only matter for a short period of this game, and it will all come down to adjustments in game between these two chess masters.

Wisconsin’s Biggest Advantage: Home State Pride


I gave a glimpse of this during the talking10 podcast this week, but I really think Wisconsin’s biggest advantage in this contest is the fact that so many of its players that will impact this game are from this state. From home-grown offensive lineman to a potential All-American linebacker like Vince Biegel…these players understand how special a place Lambeau Field is and there’s no way in hell they are going to let this team get embarrassed during a game like this. In total, 10 of UW’s 22 starters and 16 players on the two-deep are from the state of Wisconsin.


MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 28: Mitchell Herl #47 of the Wisconsin Badgers uses Paul Bunyan’s Axe to chop down the goal post after a win of the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on November 28, 2015 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Wisconsin defeated Minnesota 31-21. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)


Make no mistake, these guys aren’t just going to be jacked up to start this game, they are going out to represent an entire state. That kind of pride can lead players to do things that are unexpected. Does it mean it ends with Wisconsin winning this game? No.

What it does do is give those home-grown players just that little extra spark to dig deeper than anyone else in those tight and tough situations that are likely to crop up in this game.

LSU’s Biggest Advantage: Athletic Talent


Here’s a shocking statement — Wisconsin won’t be the most athletic team on the field this Saturday. Sure, pure athletic talent doesn’t always equal victory and UW fans are well versed in hearing that their team isn’t the most athletically gifted on the field. But, there’s no denying that LSU is just on a different level in terms of its overall athletic ability.

It has more athletic defensive linemen, defensive backs and certainly a more athletic wide receiver group. The key for the Tigers will be finding a way to isolate one or two of its biggest athletic advantages and hit that all afternoon long. Whether that be Malachi Dupre against an untested UW secondary or outside linebacker Arden Key against a wholly untested group of tackles for Wisconsin.

Whatever it is, there are places where there are clear athletic advantages on paper for LSU. Showing that they translate on to the field may be the key to victory in a game that could be close given the natures of both teams. Sometimes that one area where weakness is found is all that is needed.

Tailgating Advice:


Yes, hitting up Holmgren Way’s sports bars and tailgating in someone’s lawn are likely destinations for many. However, if you’re looking for less of the Bud Light/Miller Lite crowd and in to some good beer, great food and a chance to meet some brewers…well, we suggest heading on over to Badger State Brewing Co. before the game.

It is located just behind Brett Favre’s Steakhouse and they’ll have all your actual good-tasting beer needs covered. On Wisconsin Red is a personal favorite and the guys there do an amazing job of rotating beers in the taproom, which is worth the visit alone for its beauty and atmosphere.

Oh, and did we mention the folks from Abita Brewing Co. down in Louisiana are also going to be making an appearance? What could be better than mingling with two of the best tailgating fanbases in the country?

There will be food served via Food Truck and one of the most unique patio experiences in Wisconsin as well. Simply put, Badger State Brewing Co. is worth the visit on your way to the stadium pre-game or to get away from the crazy crowds leaving the stadium following the game too. You may even run in to a staff member or two pre or post game.

Staff Picks


Andy: You can check out my full thoughts on this matchup as I co-host The Fan 107.5’s one-hour lead in to the Badgers Radio Network pregame show on Saturday. I’ll be co-hosting from 11:30-12:30 and if you aren’t in Green Bay, you can check out here. That said, here is a rough score estimate.

Pick: LSU 24-20

Nate: LSU 28-17
Rayan: LSU 24-13

The post Wisconsin Badgers vs. LSU Tigers: Preview, Predictions and Viewing Info appeared first on Madtown Badgers.

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