Staff Predictions: Baylor Closes Season against LSU Tigers in Texas Bowl

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The SicEm365 Staff gives their predictions for Baylor’s (8-4) Texas Bowl matchup against the LSU Tigers (8-4). Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, and the game will be televised on ESPN.

Colt Barber (10-2) — Baylor 33, LSU 30

A lot of variables make this score tough to pick. Both teams will still get close to their scoring averages for the season, and Baylor will figure out how to win it late.

Brian Ethridge (3-9) — LSU 49, Baylor 12

Baylor versus the Bayou Bengals of the SEC. There is no chance for a Big 12 school to compete against an SEC school in any bowl game. The SEC doesn't lose. Look for Brian Kelly to manipulate time, space and new accents with his coaching wizardry.

Ashley Hodge (10-2) — Baylor 38, LSU 35

Massey has this game 33-28 in LSU's favor. LSU is the more talented team. As great as Baylor's six-game-winning streak has been, the Bears have yet to beat a top-25 caliber team. I think that ends in Houston, however. Just like TCU, Isaiah Hankins kicks a walk-off field goal. If you can't trust Hankins, who can you trust?  

David Smoak (10-2) — Baylor 26, LSU 24

Predicting bowl games with all the transfer portal movement, opt-outs and the coaching carousel is like betting on NBA preseason games — dangerous.

Paul Catalina (9-3) — Baylor 34, LSU 29

LSU has a ton of opt-outs. Baylor does not. This game is a building block for next season. 

Craig Smoak (10-2) — Baylor 34, LSU 27

Baylor wins a fun and competitive contest against a Tigers team with plenty of fan support and talent despite roster changes. The win launches the Bears into the offseason with a seven-game win streak and a colossal wave of momentum to build off and ride.

Grayson Grundhoefer (10-2) — Baylor 35, LSU 27

Baylor has built a ton of momentum heading into this game, and I believe the Bears want to be here more than LSU. That certainly matters. Ultimately, LSU’s opt-outs, especially on the offensive line, cost them, and the Bear's offense continues to succeed. This would be a huge program-building win for Baylor, leading to big expectations in 2025.

Travis Roeder (9-3) — Baylor 31, LSU 28

There are big plays throughout the game on both sides, but Baylor wants it more and comes away with the victory.

Sam Bradshaw (11-1) — Baylor 33, LSU 30

Baylor isn't a strong defense but may have a matchup or two here. Baylor's offense is better than LSU’s defense, which at times has struggled on the interior defensive line but also takes a lot of risks to be aggressive. Baylor breaks 30 again and picks up a nice win to cap the season.

Kendall Kaut (9-3) — Baylor 35, LSU 28

LSU won't want to be there, and Brian Kelly's players don't seem to want him much either.

Garrett Ross (10-2) — Baylor 38, LSU 35

Despite some key offensive opt-outs for the NFL draft, LSU still has the Nuss Bus at quarterback and their best defenders available. Baylor should be able to exploit the LSU secondary, but the Bears must stop the Tiger’s rushing attack with Caden Durham. Despite the narrative that LSU doesn’t want to be there, Baylor best not take the Tigers for granted in H-Town.

Levi Caraway (8-4) — Baylor 41, LSU 34

Both teams have high-flying offenses and have suffered from some suspect play in the secondary this season — Bears win in a barn-burner.