The LSU Tigers (7-5, 3-5 SEC) are set to face the Houston Cougars (9-3, 5-3 Big 12) in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl in Houston, Texas.
LSU entered the season with massive expectations, and their season-opening win over Clemson only intensified that. However, things went downhill, with multiple losses and eventually Brian Kelly’s firing. The team has finished the season under interim coach Frank Wilson but now knows that Lane Kiffin will be taking over after this game.
Houston had a breakthrough in year two under Willie Fritz, winning nine games and cracking the CFP Top 25 by year’s end. Texas A&M transfer Conner Weigman led the way at quarterback, and this is a program that is seemingly gaining momentum.
Kickoff between LSU and Houston at NRG Stadium is scheduled for 8:15 PM on Saturday, December 27th and you can listen to the action on ESPN 103.7 Lafayette 104.1 Lake Charles.
THAT’S AWKWARD
With the hiring of Lane Kiffin, LSU has had a rather strange last few weeks. Frank Wilson is still coaching this team in preparation for the Texas Bowl. However, he has now accepted a position to join Ole Miss’ coaching staff, the place where Kiffin came from, after the game.
In addition, plenty of Kiffin’s staff members are back in Oxford helping Ole Miss on their current playoff run. What is left of LSU’s previous coaching staff are trying to help this Tigers team get prepared to play Houston. All-in-all, there are a lot of “unprecedented” happenings in both Baton Rouge and Oxford right now.
AUDITIONS
Given the unique nature of this matchup, the coaching staffs, and the expected roster turnover, there are plenty of layers to what this game actually means for LSU.
Some players like Harold Perkins Jr have opted out. That makes sense, especially with all the turnover in the coaching staff. We know that Kiffin is likely to overhaul this roster, especially on the offensive side. However, players will be auditioning on Saturday. Some may be auditioning for a roster spot at LSU next year, and some may be looking to impress other coaching staffs around the country via the transfer portal.
EXCITED TO BE HERE
The Houston Cougars will undoubtedly be the more excited fanbase in this matchup. Having recently moved to the Big 12, the Cougars have had far less opportunities in Power-Conference affiliated bowl games.
Additionally, the Cougars had a really good season based on expectations. Winning nine games is another step in the right direction for Coach Fritz and company.
Lastly, this game is in Houston. Therefore, the hometown Cougar fans are expected to show up. In addition to an excited football team, LSU will have to deal with an excited fanbase as well.
SERIES RECORD: LSU leads 2-1
Previous Matchups:
2000: LSU 28 – Houston 13
1999: Houston 20 – LSU 7
1996: LSU 35 – Houston 34
STAT LEADERS:
LSU
Garrett Nussmeier: 194-288, 1,927 Yards, 12 TD, 5 INT
Caden Durham: 106 Carries, 505 Yards, 3 TD
Barion Brown: 52 Catches, 495 Yards, 1 TD
Harold Perkins Jr: 4 Sacks
AJ Haulcy: 89 Tackles (49 Solo)
3 Players Tied: 3 INT
Damian Ramos: 24-of-28 Field Goals, Long of 52, 24-of-25 PAT
Houston
Conner Weigman: 204-319, 2,475 Yards, 21 TD, 9 INT
Dean Connors: 184 Carries, 851 Yards, 5 TD
Amare Thomas: 59 Catches, 906 Yards, 10 TD
Eddie Walls III: 5.5 Sacks
Jalen Garner: 75 Tackles (38 Solo)
Will James: 3 INT
Ethan Sanchez: 20-of-25 Field Goals, Long of 52, 38-of-38 PAT