Baylor Bears vs. LSU Tigers: 2024 Texas Bowl Preview
The 2024 Texas Bowl promises to be an exciting showdown between two strong football programs: the Baylor Bears and the LSU Tigers. Set to take place at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on New Year’s Eve, this bowl game offers a glimpse of future talent and competitive spirit, as both teams look to close out their seasons on a high note.
Baylor Bears: A Remarkable Turnaround
Baylor enters the Texas Bowl with an 8-4 record after a season that saw a significant turnaround. The Bears faced a rocky start, sitting at 2-4 halfway through the season. However, thanks to a relentless work ethic and strategic adjustments, they won six straight games to finish the regular season on a high. This impressive run helped them earn a spot in the Texas Bowl, where they will take on an equally talented LSU squad.
The key to Baylor’s success this season has been their offense, led by sophomore quarterback Sawyer Robertson. Robertson has shown significant growth, completing 62.8% of his passes for 2,626 yards, with 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions. In addition to his passing prowess, Robertson has been a dual-threat quarterback, rushing for 227 yards and four touchdowns, adding another dimension to Baylor’s offense.
First-year offensive coordinator Jake Spavital deserves significant credit for the development of Robertson and the Bears’ offense. Under Spavital’s guidance, the offense became more balanced, mixing both the pass and run effectively. Baylor’s offensive line has also played a pivotal role, providing ample protection for Robertson and opening up lanes for the running backs.
Baylor’s defense, led by head coach Dave Aranda, has been solid, though it may face its biggest test in the form of LSU’s high-powered offense. Aranda’s expertise in defensive schemes will be crucial in keeping the game competitive, especially when facing a talented quarterback like LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier.
LSU Tigers: Battling to Prove Themselves
On the other side, LSU enters the Texas Bowl with an 8-4 record, but the Tigers’ season could have been much more. Despite starting the year strong, a mid-season three-game losing streak derailed their hopes of earning a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Tigers, however, remain a formidable team with much to prove in this bowl game, especially after their disappointing end to the regular season.
The offense, led by Garrett Nussmeier, has been LSU’s main strength. Nussmeier, a talented junior quarterback, completed 63.7% of his passes for 3,739 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in the regular season. His ability to perform in clutch moments has earned him praise, and he will need to step up once again for LSU in the Texas Bowl. Nussmeier’s leadership, especially in high-pressure situations, will be critical if LSU hopes to overcome Baylor’s defense.
Last season, Nussmeier was named the MVP of LSU’s ReliaQuest Bowl victory over Wisconsin, and his experience in big games should serve him well in this contest. Alongside Nussmeier, LSU boasts a strong supporting cast, including running back Noah Cain and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, both of whom are capable of turning the game in LSU’s favor with big plays.
Head coach Brian Kelly, who is in his second season with the Tigers, has built a program that is consistently competitive. Kelly has a strong track record in bowl games, winning his first two seasons with LSU in impressive fashion. LSU will be hoping Kelly can continue this trend and guide the Tigers to a much-needed victory in the Texas Bowl.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Quarterback Duel: Robertson vs. Nussmeier
The battle between Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier will be the most pivotal matchup of the game. Both quarterbacks have had strong seasons, but they each play a different style of football. Robertson is more of a dual-threat quarterback, capable of making plays with his legs as well as his arm. Meanwhile, Nussmeier is a pocket passer who relies on his accuracy and deep-ball ability to move the offense. How each quarterback handles the pressure from opposing defenses will go a long way in determining the outcome.
- Baylor’s Defense vs. LSU’s Explosive Offense
Baylor’s defense, under Dave Aranda, has been solid all year but will be tested by LSU’s high-powered attack. The Bears will need to find a way to slow down LSU’s offense, which can strike quickly. The pressure will be on Baylor’s defensive line and secondary to contain Kayshon Boutte and Noah Cain, while also preventing Nussmeier from finding a rhythm in the passing game.
- Baylor’s Offensive Line vs. LSU’s Front Seven
Baylor’s offensive line has been one of the strengths of their team this season, providing solid protection for Robertson and opening running lanes for their backs. However, they will face a stiff challenge against LSU’s defensive front. The Tigers’ front seven is one of the most talented in the nation, and they will be looking to disrupt Baylor’s offensive flow. If Baylor’s offensive line can hold up against LSU’s pass rush, they could find success moving the ball down the field.
- Special Teams and Turnovers
Special teams play and turnovers are often the difference in close bowl games. Both teams will need to be disciplined in their kicking game and avoid costly mistakes. In a high-stakes bowl game like the Texas Bowl, one turnover or special teams blunder could change the course of the game.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Heading into the Texas Bowl, the betting odds favor Baylor, with a -4 spread and -190 moneyline. LSU enters the game as the underdog, with a +160 moneyline. The over/under for the game is set at 60.5 points, indicating that a high-scoring contest is expected.
The prediction consensus from several media outlets leans towards LSU, with many analysts picking the Tigers to come out on top. USA TODAY and BetMGM have both predicted LSU to win, citing their talent and experience, even in the face of recent struggles. ESPN analyst Adam Rittenberg, however, sees Baylor pulling off the upset, citing Dave Aranda’s ability to engineer a strong game plan and his defense’s potential to limit LSU’s big plays.
How to Watch the Game
The Texas Bowl between Baylor and LSU will take place on Tuesday, December 31, at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN, and fans can stream it via FuboTV. The game will be held at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the 2024 college football season.
Conclusion
The Texas Bowl between Baylor and LSU promises to be an exciting and competitive game, with both teams looking to end their seasons on a high note. Baylor comes in with momentum after a strong finish to their season, while LSU enters with something to prove after missing out on the College Football Playoff. With standout quarterbacks, talented supporting casts, and strong coaching staffs, this bowl game will be one to watch as these two teams clash in Houston. Whether Baylor can continue their late-season success or LSU will bounce back and cap off their season with a win remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this will be a bowl game full of action and drama.
