LSU closed their season in style with a commanding 44-31 win over Baylor in the Texas Bowl on Tuesday night, thanks to a stellar performance by quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. The sophomore gunslinger threw for 304 yards and three touchdowns, completing 24 of 34 passes to lead the Tigers (9-4) to their third straight bowl victory.
LSU’s explosive offense set the tone early, with Nussmeier connecting on touchdown passes to Trey’Dez Green and Chris Hilton Jr. to establish a 34-17 halftime advantage. Hilton shone as a primary target, racking up 113 yards on four receptions, including a 41-yard touchdown. Meanwhile, Aaron Anderson added eight catches for 91 yards, showcasing LSU’s offensive depth in an electric display.
The Tigers showcased resilience when Baylor (8-5) mounted a third-quarter comeback attempt. After a touchdown narrowed the gap to 34-24, LSU’s defense held firm during a critical sequence. A botched snap on 4th-and-1 by Baylor resulted in a pivotal 36-yard loss, shifting momentum firmly back to LSU.
Josh Williams capitalized on the turnover, powering into the end zone on a 4-yard run early in the fourth quarter. Defensive highlights abounded, withDavhon Keys returning an interception for a touchdown in the opening quarter. Special teams contributed as well, with Zavion Thomas igniting the crowd with a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown just before halftime.
This Texas Bowl win not only capped a three-game winning streak for the Tigers but also underscored their ability to excel in all three phases of the game. Despite Baylor amassing 507 yards of total offense, LSU’s defense delivered timely plays to stifle critical drives. With this victory, LSU continues to build momentum heading into the offseason, eagerly anticipating their next test against Clemson to open the 2025 campaign.
