LSU Tigers vs Houston Cougars Picks and Predictions for Saturday, December 27, 2025
LSU plays Houston in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl on Saturday night in Houston. LSU finished the regular season 7–5 after a 17–13 loss at Oklahoma, while Houston was 9–3 following a 31–24 road win at Baylor. Build your bankroll with our free college football picks.
LSU vs Houston Game Information
- Kickoff: 8:15 PM ET
- Date: Saturday, December 27
- Where: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
- TV: ESPN
LSU Tigers Preview
LSU’s offense is led by Garrett Nussmeier, who finished 194-for-288 for 1,927 yards with 12 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. The run game has been more committee than feature-back, with Caden Durham leading the team at 106 carries for 505 yards and 3 touchdowns. In the pass game, Barion Brown is LSU’s top receiver with 52 catches for 495 yards, and Trey’Dez Green has been a scoring target with 5 receiving touchdowns.
Defensively, LSU’s production shows up in takeaways and pressure from the front seven. A.J. Haulcy leads the team with 89 tackles, and Harold Perkins Jr. has 4 sacks and 3 interceptions, giving LSU a playmaker who can change drives. LSU’s best way to win is to force Houston into longer passing downs and make Weigman throw into tight coverage.
Houston Cougars Preview
Houston’s offense starts with Conner Weigman, who finished 204-for-319 for 2,475 yards with 21 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. The Cougars run enough to keep defenses honest, led by Dean Connors (184 carries, 851 yards, 5 TDs), and Weigman has also been strong on the ground (158 carries, 644 yards, 11 TDs). Amare Thomas is the top downfield threat with 59 catches for 906 yards and 10 touchdowns, and Tanner Koziol had 65 receptions for 651 yards and 5 TDs.
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On defense, Houston has a disruptive front, led by Eddie Walls III with 5.5 sacks. Jalen Garner leads the team with 75 tackles, and Will James has 3 interceptions. If Houston can win early downs, keep LSU from sustained drives, and avoid giving up easy big plays, the Cougars can control the game pace.
Key Matchups
LSU passing game vs Houston pass rush: Nussmeier has protected the ball, but pressure is the quickest way to force mistakes and stalled drives.
Houston skill talent vs LSU playmakers: Thomas is the big-play receiver, but LSU has defenders like Perkins and Haulcy who can flip a drive with a sack or takeaway.
Betting Odds & Market Movement
Houston opened -1.5 and is listed at -3
The total is listed at 41.5.
LSU vs Houston Picks and Predictions
Houston has the more productive passing and the more reliable scoring connection in Weigman-to-Thomas, while LSU’s offense has been more hit-or-miss and hasn’t leaned on one consistent rusher. If Houston avoids turnovers and finishes drives in the red zone, the Cougars can win a lower-scoring game and cover. Final Score Prediction: Houston Cougars win and cover ATS 21-16. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for Houston with the Thrillz promo code. Make the most of your bets on LSU by using the sportsbook promos. Make sure when you place your Houston vs LSU bet you are using the bet365 bonus code.
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Best Picks
- Houston Cougars -3
- Under 41.5
