The countdown is on for LSU football’s game against Baylor in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
The 8-4 Tigers can end the season on a three-game win streak with a victory over the Bears in Houston. Following a midseason skid where it lost three straight SEC games, LSU recovered to defeat Vanderbilt and Oklahoma in Death Valley.
Since its final game, the Tigers saw parts of its roster depart for the NFL Draft and enter the transfer portal. They will be without three starting offensive linemen and its top two receiving threats, along with both starting defensive ends.
Head coach Brian Kelly’s team made several transfer portal acquisitions, but now is the time for the current roster to make a lasting impression heading into the offseason.
Baylor brings almost its full roster to Tuesday’s contest, with the exception of a starting safety and defensive end depth piece, both of whom entered the portal. By ending the regular season on a six-game win streak, the Bears bring a heap of confidence into the matchup. Will it be enough to defeat LSU?
Here are three things to watch in the Texas Bowl between LSU and Baylor.
LSU’s passing attack
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Garrett Nussmeier will play quarterback for LSU after announcing his return for the 2025 season. But who will catch the passes?
The gunslinger’s two favorite targets in Kyren Lacy and Mason Taylor declared for the NFL Draft. Three wide receivers and a tight end entered the portal, leaving a relatively inexperienced group of pass catchers.
Baylor doesn’t boast a high-powered passing defense, which may give the Tigers time to establish rhythm distributing the ball. Chris Hilton hauled in two catches for two touchdowns of 40+ yards and Aaron Anderson could continue his breakout campaign as well.
A key to success in the passing game is the offensive line’s ability to protect Nussmeier. It will be playing without its two starting tackles and a starting guard as it attempts to hold a Baylor…
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