Texas Bowl Preview: LSU Looks to Cap Season Strong Against No. 21 Houston
LSU heads into the 2025 Texas Bowl with a chance to close out a rollercoaster season on a high note. At 7-5, the Tigers will take on 9-3 Houston under the lights at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. CT, airing on ESPN and the LSU Sports Radio Network.
This marks LSU’s 25th bowl or playoff appearance in the last 26 seasons-an impressive run of postseason consistency that began back in 2000 with a Peach Bowl berth. And for the second year in a row, the Tigers find themselves back in the Texas Bowl, where they knocked off Baylor in a 42-30 win last December.
Interim head coach Frank Wilson is leading the program into this matchup and sees plenty of upside in facing a strong Big 12 opponent like Houston.
“Excited about the opportunity to play a 9-3 Big 12 opponent,” Wilson said. “Like it from a geographical standpoint and our ability to travel for the families of our student-athletes as well as the fans of our program.”
Van Buren Era Begins to Take Shape
Freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren has taken the reins of the LSU offense over the past three games, going 2-1 in that stretch. In six total appearances this season, Van Buren has thrown for 743 yards and five touchdowns. While he’s still developing as a starter, the young QB has shown flashes of poise and promise-and this bowl game offers another big stage to build on that momentum.
In the backfield, Caden Durham leads the way with 505 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Harlem Berry has added 446 yards and two scores of his own. It’s a one-two punch that’s helped keep the ground game viable, even as the Tigers have broken in a new quarterback.
On the outside, Barion Brown has been LSU’s most reliable target, hauling in 52 catches for 495 yards and a touchdown. Zavion Thomas adds a big-play threat with 473 yards and four scores on 40 receptions, while tight end Tre’Dez Green has emerged as a red-zone weapon with five touchdowns on 29 catches.
Defense Keyed by Playmakers at All Levels
LSU’s defense will be anchored by linebacker Davhon Keys, who leads the team with 78 tackles. Harold Perkins, one of the most dynamic defenders in the country, continues to be a force-racking up 56 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, four sacks, and three interceptions. He’s the kind of player who can tilt the field with a single play.
In the secondary, PJ Woodland has broken up nine passes and tallied 35 tackles, while DJ Pickett has added 30 tackles and three interceptions. This group will have its hands full with Houston’s high-powered offense but has the playmakers to rise to the challenge.
Wilson emphasized the importance of finishing strong, especially with the program in a period of transition.
“We want to finish what we’ve started with this football team in 2025,” Wilson said. “We want to give them our undivided attention before transition happens.”
Houston Brings Firepower on Both Sides
Houston, ranked No. 21 coming into the bowl, has put together a strong 9-3 campaign. Quarterback Conor Weigman has been the engine of the offense, throwing for 2,475 yards and 21 touchdowns, while also rushing for 644 yards and 11 scores. His dual-threat ability makes him one of the more dangerous quarterbacks LSU has faced this season.
Running back Dean Connors has chipped in 851 rushing yards and five touchdowns, giving the Cougars a balanced attack. At receiver, Amare Thomas has been a go-to target all year, racking up 906 yards and 10 touchdown grabs.
Defensively, linebacker Jalen Garner leads the team with 75 tackles, while defensive back Kentrell Webb is close behind with 70, along with three pass breakups and an interception. Cornerback Will James has added five PBUs and three picks, giving Houston a capable secondary to challenge LSU’s young quarterback.
A Rare Matchup with Bowl Stakes
This will be just the fourth all-time meeting between LSU and Houston, with the Tigers holding a 2-1 edge in the series. Their last matchup came back in 2000 at Tiger Stadium. Now, 25 years later, the two programs meet again-this time with postseason bragging rights on the line.
Wilson knows what it means anytime LSU takes the field, especially in a nationally televised bowl game.
“Any time you put our brand on the field, it garners excitement,” he said. “Any time you wear that helmet, there’s an expectation and a standard of going out and playing with high enthusiasm and fierce effort. I think you’ll get that from our football team.”
What to Watch
- Can Van Buren handle the pressure of a bowl start against a ranked opponent?
- Will Harold Perkins disrupt Weigman’s rhythm and contain his mobility?
- Can LSU’s young offensive core find a groove against a disciplined Cougar defense?
The Tigers are looking to close the book on 2025 with a statement win. And with a new era on the horizon, this bowl game is more than just a final chapter-it’s a preview of what’s to come.