Introduction:

LSU looks to cap off their somewhat disappointing season with a bowl victory win against 8-4 Baylor. These two teams have not met since 1985, where the Bears won the last meeting. However, now the game is being played in a somewhat neutral site of Houston, Texas in the Texas Bowl. These teams have more in common than people think if if they are divided by the border of a state.

The head coach of Baylor and former LSU defensive coordinator, Dave Aranda was deemed "on the hot seat" last year, and now seems as if he was taken off that seat after going on a 6 game winning streak. On the other side of the aisle, Brian Kelly could be said to be on the hotseat after this past season, with a complete failure from the end of October to mid November having 3 straight losses to Texas A$M, Alabama, and Florida. Both teams are looking to cap off their season with one last victory to claim some momentum going into next year.

Both LSU and Baylor are similar in the style they play, a pass happy offense with a defense that has a solid front seven, but the secondary can be Swiss cheese. Expect this game to be high scoring, as everyone i have talked to and listened too expect the same thing.

Biggest factors helping LSU:

The talent level on LSU is higher than Baylor as the recruiting overall and talent ceiling has been way higher than Baylor's, if they can rely on their talent and athleticism, LSU should definitely win this game. LSU passing attack is one of the most potent in the country and with guys like Aaron Anderson, Chris Hilton, and Zavion Thomas who can slay any secondary unit. Then at the same time backed up with Caden Durham in the backfield, who can outrun any defense and make a few guys miss is a great addition to have.

Biggest factor going AGAINST LSU:

By far the biggest concern is the depth of LSU and all of the opt outs, and guys who hit the portal, 17 players have hit the portal with three additional opt outs for LSUs star players like Will Campbell and Emery Jones who are the anchor tandem at tackle. Then the best WR weapon on offense Kyren Lacy is also sitting out in preparation for the NFL draft. With having two starting tackles out the game should definitely feel different for Nussmeier as he will have two new guys blocking his blindside.

Conclusion:

Overall, I do think LSU wins this game, I do think it is a shootout, but at the end of the day LSU talent is dominant and the defense has played better as the season went on. I think LSU will win 38-24. I believe the first half Baylor will actually lead, but LSU will hit the gas and come out in the second half guns blazing. Wish I could go to the game but I will be at Michigan v Alabama at the Reliaquest bowl in Tampa. As always, GEAUX tigahs and catch you after