It’s fair to say that Houston really thrived in ways that most folks didn’t expect them to this season. In Willie Fritz’ second season with the Cougars, Houston managed to go out and win nine games in the regular season. What an incredible turnaround and breakthrough for this program that was looking to prove it belonged in the Big 12.
Interestingly enough, UH broke in a couple of brand new coordinators this season as Slade Nagle took over as the offensive coordinator and Austin Armstrong became Houston’s defensive coordinator.
As things have stabilized considerably for Houston, LSU, meanwhile, is in the middle of a true transition. The Tigers really were underwhelming for much of the season and they decided to move on from head coach Brian Kelly.
Right now, interim head coach Frank Wilson is still in Baton Rouge and will be leading the Tigers while Lane Kiffin still gets settled in as the permanent head coach after leaving the Ole Miss Rebels. LSU is looking for its eighth win of the season in this matchup.
LSU vs. Houston stats breakdown
When looking at these two teams, it’s clear that neither offense has been all that overly impressive. The Tigers are putting up 21.8 points per game while Houston is averaging 28.3 points per game. In terms of yards gained, LSU is gaining 332.7 total yards of offense per game while Houston is gaining 390.9.
On the defensive side of things though, that’s where both LSU and Houston shine. LSU holds teams to 18.3 points per game while UH permits 21.8 points per game. The Tigers are holding teams to 319.7 total yards per game while Houston is holding folks to 348.2 yards per game.
When is the Texas Bowl? How can I watch the Texas Bowl?
Located in NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, the Texas Bowl is set for Saturday, December 27 at 8:15 p.m. (that is absolutely a late kickoff for this sort of game, or maybe I’m just getting old). The game will be broadcast on ESPN.