HOUSTON — The upcoming Texas Bowl will mark the first time Baylor and LSU meet on the field since the 1985 Liberty Bowl, creating a buzz around this clash. While the teams don’t face each other frequently, there are connections between them that enhance the narrative of the game. Baylor’s head coach, Dave Aranda, has a special history with LSU, having been on its coaching staff from 2016 to 2019. During his tenure, he played a significant role in leading the Tigers to a national championship in 2019 as their defensive coordinator before moving to Waco. Aranda reflected on those years fondly, expressing gratitude for the memories and the respect he holds for the people at LSU. “It’s really cool,” he mentioned, adding that he remains supportive of LSU, although his allegiance will shift on game day.
The Bears (8-4) are riding high into this matchup, boasting a six-game winning streak that turned around a slow start to their season, where they won only two of their first six games. Aranda noted that the momentum gained from their recent successes would be essential for their performance. “You get that momentum by winning, and that’s what we’ve been able to do,” he stated. Maintaining that momentum is crucial not only for the Bowl game but also for setting up next season’s success.
On the other side, LSU (8-4) heads into the game with optimism of their own, as they have secured back-to-back wins following a three-game losing streak. This Bowl appearance will be the third for coach Brian Kelly’s team, and he recognizes the importance of confidence going into the game. “When teams are fairly equal — and that’s what the case is — all those things that I just mentioned play a role,” Kelly reflected, emphasizing the mental aspects of the competition. LSU will be facing a resilient Baylor team that has built confidence through their recent victories.
Both teams feature seasoned quarterbacks who have made a mark this season. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier has made significant contributions with 3,739 passing yards, ranking him second in the Southeastern Conference and sixth nationally. He has tossed 26 touchdown passes, also second in the SEC. In 13 starts, Nussmeier has experienced considerable success, throwing for over 300 yards eight times and securing a 9-4 starting record.
Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson has also showcased his skills, leading the Big 12 with an 83.9 quarterback rating, placing him sixth in the nation. After starting his career under the late Mike Leach at Mississippi State, Robertson transferred to Baylor, where he has made notable strides, accumulating 2,626 passing yards and 26 touchdowns while averaging just seven interceptions this season.
However, LSU will have to adjust to the absence of key players in this bowl game, as several stars, including tight end Mason Taylor and receiver Kyren Lacy, have decided to opt-out to prepare for the NFL draft. Taylor, son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, had a standout season with 55 receptions for a career-high 546 yards and two touchdowns. Lacy, who concluded his time at LSU with 2,360 receiving yards, was the team’s leading wideout this season with 866 yards.
For Baylor, receiver Josh Cameron is a standout player to watch, leading his team with nine touchdown receptions, which places him historically within the program. With a total of 44 catches and 643 receiving yards, Cameron has made significant strides this season after not finding the end zone in his first two years. Additionally, as the team’s punt returner, he has proven to be a threat, ranking second in the nation with an impressive average of 20.7 yards per return.
The Texas Bowl promises to be an intriguing matchup with a rich backdrop of history, skilled players, and strategies that both coaches hope will lead to victory.
