I did not look at my preview piece for the 2024 Texas Bowl, which featured LSU versus Baylor. But I probably said, hopefully, for LSU, they will not be in the Texas Bowl again for quite some time.
Well, guess what, they are back in the Texas Bowl one year later, and this Texas Bowl appearance has a lot of the same vibes as their 2021 appearance had.
An interim head coach, a whole bunch of opt-outs, but at least LSU will not have a wide receiver playing quarterback. Receiver Jontre Kirklin started for LSU at quarterback in the 2021 Texas Bowl and threw for 138 yards in a 42-20 loss to Kansas State.
Michael Van Buren will start at quarterback for LSU, but he’s the only scholarship player at the QB position available for the Tigers.
Here’s a look at the big storylines entering this game.
1. LSU QB Michael Van Buren vs A&M QB Conner Weigman
Michael Van Buren will make his fourth consecutive start at quarterback for LSU. Garrett Nussmeier is opting out as he gets ready for the draft.
Van Buren’s future with LSU is uncertain. He said he wants to be a part of the 2026 Tigers, but new head coach Lane Kiffin is expected to sign at least two quarterbacks out of the transfer portal.
Van Buren’s passing numbers have declined in each of his three starts. He only passed for 96 yards in the loss to Oklahoma and threw a critical interception in the end zone.
Texas A&M transfer Conner Weigman has had a decent season throwing the football for the Cougars, completing 64% of his passes for 2.475 yards and 21 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
But he really used his legs in the final two games of the regular season, rushing for over 100 yards in games against TCU and Baylor. Weigman had two rushing touchdowns in the win over the Bears and has a team-high 11 rushing TDs on the season.
Weigman started for A&M in its game against LSU last year, but LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s defense made him look bad, and he was benched for Marcel Reed in the 3rd quarter.
2. LSU’s skill position players are mostly intact
One of LSU’s top receivers, Aaron Anderson, declared for the NFL draft last weekend, even though he had another year of eligibility. Anderson suffered through an injury-plagued season, with 33 catches for 398 yards. Anderson will try to improve his draft stock at the East-West Shrine game.
But Van Buren will have most of his other weapons. Receivers Barion Brown, Zavion Thomas, and tight ends Trey’Dez Green and Bauer Sharp.
This could be a game where Kyle Parker puts together a good performance. The sophomore from Allen, Texas, has caught 24 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns. He’ll get more chances with Anderson not playing.
3. Who is playing on the o-line
Two LSU starting offensive linemen, Carius Curne and Coen Echols, have announced plans to enter the transfer portal, but they are expected to play in the bowl game. LSU will reportedly make a push to retain Curne.
Starting right guard Josh Thompson will not play for LSU. He has opted out as he’s getting ready for the NFL draft. Paul Mubenga who has started ten games during his two-year career at LSU, is expected to take Thompson’s place.
Center Braelin Moor,e who went down with an ankle injury in the Western Kentucky game, is expected to play.
Houston will not have its starting center for the bowl game. Demetrius Hunter, a finalist for the Rimington Trophy, which goes to the nation’s top center, is no longer with the team.
4. Can LSU score more than 25 points?
This is LSU’s last chance to score more than 25 points against an FBS opponent. LSU is 109th in scoring and 122nd in rushing offense, averaging 106 yards per game.
Houston’s defense has been really good in the red zone, as they rank 9th in red zone defense, allowing opponents to score touchdowns just 45% of the time.
There’s a lot of speculation that Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy will transfer to LSU. If that’s the case, I could see either LSU running backs Caden Durham or Harlem Berry transferring. Berry has been getting more snaps lately; let’s see if he or Durham can put together a good game.
5. Big opportunity for several players on defense
LSU will be missing six starters on defense. All-Americans A.J Haulcy and Mansoor Delane will not play.
This will be an excellent opportunity for Dashawn Spears, who will start for Haucly. Spears has played well this season in a limited role.
With no Delane, that means more time for freshman DJ Pickett and Florida transfer Ja’Keem Jackson.
Houston’s two best players on offense are tight end Tanner Koziol and wide receiver Amare Thomas. They present a good test for LSU’s defense, which will be missing all three of its starting linebackers, Harold Perkins, and the Whit and Wes Weeks.
Jardin Gilbert will start for Perkins and Tylen Singleton and Davhon Keys will start for the Weeks brothers. Singleton and Keys have graded low this season according to Pro Football Focus.
I expect a low-scoring game, with LSU losing 21-13.