LSU is looking to earn its 10th win of the season in the Citrus Bowl against Purdue, but the Tigers’ depth up front on defense will be tested in that game.
Starting defensive end [autotag]Ali Gaye[/autotag] will not play in the Citrus Bowl as he prepares for the 2023 NFL draft. With [autotag]BJ Ojulari[/autotag] and [autotag]Jaquelin Roy[/autotag] also opting out, that leaves [autotag]Mekhi Wingo[/autotag] as the only starting defensive lineman available in this game.
Not having Gaye will be quite a loss for LSU. In his final season with the Tigers, he totaled 36 tackles (six for loss) and 2.5 sacks while appearing in all 13 games.
Ali Gaye is not playing in the Citrus Bowl, Brian Kelly said on #LSU radio. That means Mekhi Wingo will be the only starting defensive lineman participating.
— Wilson Alexander (@whalexander_) December 22, 2022
With Gaye’s absence, it should provide a fantastic opportunity for some of LSU’s younger players along the defensive line to get some experience against a talented Power Five team, though it will be one enduring several opt-outs of its own.
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