Texas Bowl Preview: Baylor vs. LSU on Dec. 31 at 3:30 p.m. EST
Baylor and LSU, both with a record of 8-4, are set to clash in the Texas Bowl. The betting line favors LSU by 3 points. Both teams have shown strength this season, and this game is anticipated to be a competitive showdown.
A key statistic heading into this matchup is LSU’s impressive average of 315 passing yards per game, which places them eighth in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). In contrast, Baylor has struggled defensively against the pass, allowing 227.6 yards per game, putting them at 84th nationally. On the ground, LSU’s defense allows 4.5 yards per rushing attempt, which ranks them 84th as well, while Baylor’s rushing offense stands at 33rd, averaging 4.9 yards per carry.
In their most recent game, LSU secured a convincing 37-17 victory over Oklahoma. Garrett Nussmeier led the team with 277 passing yards, completing 22 of 31 attempts with three touchdown passes and no interceptions. Caden Durham contributed significantly on the ground with 80 yards on 11 carries and added four catches for another 32 yards. Chris Hilton Jr. made an impact with two receptions that totaled 85 yards, including two touchdowns.
Baylor also enjoyed a dominant performance in their last outing, defeating Kansas 45-17. Sawyer Robertson had an impressive display, throwing for 310 yards on 23 of 31 passing, throwing four touchdown passes without an interception. Bryson Washington was a standout in the running game with 192 rushing yards on 28 carries and scored twice, while also recording one reception for 14 yards. Monaray Baldwin also had a strong game, catching seven passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns.
When looking at individual performances, LSU’s Nussmeier is ranked seventh in the nation with a total of 3,735 passing yards, averaging 311.3 yards per game. His completion rate stands at 63.7%, with 26 touchdowns to his name. Durham has been effective, accumulating 694 rushing yards on 125 carries and contributing to the passing game with 27 receptions for 257 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, Kyren Lacy has made his mark this season with 58 catches for 866 yards and nine touchdowns.
On the Baylor side, Robertson has amassed 2,626 passing yards, averaging 218.8 yards per game with a completion rate of 62.8%. He has thrown for 26 touchdowns and has seven interceptions. Additionally, he has contributed as a rusher with 227 yards and four rushing touchdowns. Washington, with 1,004 rushing yards on 170 carries, has scored 12 times this season, while also making contributions in the passing game. Josh Cameron has been another reliable target with 44 receptions for 643 yards and nine touchdowns.
In general statistics, LSU has averaged a scoring margin of +5.5 points per game against their opponents this season, while Baylor has outscored their opponents by 9.4 points per game. Offensively, LSU is struggling slightly in the rushing department, averaging only 116.8 yards per game, ranking 107th in college football, and they give up 146.6 rushing yards on average. Conversely, Baylor ranks 35th in the country for rushing, averaging 188.5 yards per game while yielding about 155.2 rushing yards defensively, placing them at 76th nationally.
