The LSU Tigers have a chance to pickup back-to-back Texas Bowl victories on Saturday night. LSU defeated Baylor 44-31 in last year's Texas Bowl, and are now set to battle the Houston Cougars in the 2025 Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium. It's been a bumpy season in Baton Rouge, but interim head coach Frank Wilson has a chance to help the Tigers finish the season strong with a win over the Cougars.
LSU vs Houston: Final odds and prediction for the Texas Bowl
If LSU is going to be victorious on Saturday night, avoiding a common struggle this season will be vital. LSU has struggled against mobile QBs all season long, and Houston QB Conner Weigman is capable of making big plays with his legs. Blake Baker's defense needs to be ready.
Conner Weigman's running ability gives LSU a lot to worry about
After spending 3 seasons at Texas A&M, Weigman transferred to Houston to be Willie Fritz's QB1 in 2025. The move paid off, as Weigman put together the best regular season of his collegiate career. Playing in all 12 games, Weigman threw for 2,475 yards and 21 touchdowns with 9 interceptions while completing 64% of his passes.
But he was also extremely effective on the ground. Weigman ran for 644 yards and 4.1 yards per carry while adding 11 rushing touchdowns for the Cougars. His dual-threat ability gives LSU's defense a lot to worry about.
LSU has struggled against mobile QBs all season long
Stopping mobile QBs has been a problem for LSU all season long. Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss ran for 71 yards and 5.1 yards per carry in the Rebels' 24-19 win over LSU on September 27. Two weeks later, Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia ran wild for 86 yards, 5.1 yards per carry, and 2 touchdowns in Vandy's 31-24 win over LSU.
Then, Texas A&M's Marcel Reed obliterated LSU on the ground by racking up 108 yards, 8.3 yards per carry, and 2 touchdowns in the Aggies' dominating 49-25 win over the Tigers on October. That performance really sent LSU's season off the rails, as it dropped LSU to 5-3 and Brian Kelly was fired the following day.
LSU's inability to slow down mobile QBs has caused plenty of problems this season, and those problems could be exacerbated in the Texas Bowl. Not only is Weigman a potential matchup nightmare, but LSU is dealing with several opt-outs from impact defensive players. Most notably, LSU will be without Harold Perkins, Whit Weeks, Wes Weeks, Mansoor Delane, AJ Haulcy and Jack Pyburn. That could give Weigman and the Cougars even more of a matchup advantage.
It will be a tall task, but if LSU wants to pickup a second consecutive Texas Bowl victory, limiting Weigman's rushing ability will be imperative.