LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier showcased an impressive performance by throwing for 304 yards and three touchdowns, leading his team to a 44-31 victory over Baylor in the Texas Bowl on a Tuesday evening.
Nussmeier completed 24 out of 34 passes, connecting on scoring throws to Trey’Dez Green with plays of 10 yards and 1 yard, and hitting Chris Hilton Jr. with a 41-yard touchdown pass during the first half, allowing LSU (9-4) to take a 34-17 advantage at halftime.
Reflecting on the victory, Nussmeier expressed that this win serves as a “confidence boost” as they prepare for the next season.
“It’s definitely a good feeling to end the season with a win,” Nussmeier said, also earning the MVP title for the game. “It was one of our goals. Coach (Brian) Kelly said before the game that this is the start of 2025, so we wanted to make a statement. We emphasized having that killer instinct.”
In the game, Hilton caught four passes for 113 yards along with a touchdown, while Aaron Anderson had eight receptions totaling 91 yards, marking a strong finish to the Tigers’ season with three consecutive wins. LSU has now achieved victories in three straight bowl games.
Coach Brian Kelly expressed satisfaction with how the team concluded the 2024 season.
“I know cynics would say it’s disappointing,” Kelly stated. “It wasn’t disappointing. This team was less than perfect due to inexperience but gained valuable experience. Winning nine games and finishing with three wins in a row is something I’m grateful for.”
On the other hand, Sawyer Robertson for Baylor (8-5) delivered a career performance, going 30 of 51 for 445 yards and two touchdowns, albeit ending a six-game winning run for the Bears.
“I thought he battled,” stated Baylor coach Dave Aranda. “He placed the balls well where they needed to be. He showed poise under pressure, stepping up in the pocket, taking some hits, and leading his team back. I believe there is much more to come from him.”
Dawson Pendergrass added to the Bears’ efforts with 63 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Josh Cameron made eight catches for 111 yards and a touchdown.
“I think we made way too many mistakes in this game,” Aranda noted, reflecting on the team’s struggles. “It was unfortunate, as we haven’t seen a game like this in a while. We’ve been playing complementary football, and today was not the case. If we could have eliminated just one of our errors, I believe we would have won.”
Baylor managed to narrow the score to 34-24 with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Robertson to Ashtyn Hawkins with six minutes remaining in the third quarter. After a crucial interception of Nussmeier by Garmon Randolph, Baylor had a chance to further close in on the lead.
However, a crucial misstep occurred when the snap on a 4th-and-1 at the LSU 17 went over Robertson’s head, resulting in a drastic loss of 36 yards. LSU seized the opportunity, with Josh Williams scoring a 4-yard touchdown run to start the fourth quarter.
Baylor’s offense, known for averaging 434.5 yards per game, concluded the night with 507 yards, yet struggled to put the brakes on LSU’s offensive prowess, which racked up 418 yards.
LSU scored throughout the game in all three phases: Davhon Keys returned an interception 41 yards for a touchdown midway through the first quarter, and Zavion Thomas made a significant impact with a 95-yard kickoff return for a score late in the first half.
Looking ahead, Baylor is scheduled to host Auburn on August 30 to kick off the next season, while LSU will travel to face Clemson on the same date.