The Houston Cougars (10-3) took on the LSU Tigers (7-6) on Saturday night in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl from NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Cougars took a 21-14 lead at halftime. Late in the game, Houston had a ten-point lead, 38-28. LSU running back Zavion Thomas scored a touchdown with 1:15 left. Houston would recover an onside kick, and the game was over. The Houston Cougars beat the LSU Tigers 38-35. It was Houston’s third straight bowl victory.
Houston’s offense had 437 yards (236 yards passing, 201 yards rushing), 32 first downs, and the team was penalized four times for 29 yards. Quarterback Conner Weigman completed 27 of 36 passes (75%) for 236 yards, four touchdowns, and 13 carries for 56 yards.
Running back Dean Connors had 16 carries for 126 yards and one rushing touchdown. Wide receiver Tanner Koziol made nine catches for 76 yards and one touchdown, while Amare Thomas made seven catches for 66 yards and two touchdowns, and Traville Frederick Jr. made two catches for three yards and one touchdown.
Kicker Ethan Sanchez made one field goal for 25 yards and made five extra points. The defense made 46 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, and two pass breakups.
LSU’s offense had 344 yards (267 yards passing, 77 yards rushing), 17 first downs, and the team was penalized nine times for 95 yards. Quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. completed 16 of 26 passes (61.5%) for 267 yards, three touchdowns, and 11 carries for 24 yards.
Running back Harlem Berry had three carries for 45 yards, while Zavion Thomas had two carries for four yards, one rushing touchdown, and one catch for 16 yards. Wide receiver Trey’Dez Green made four catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns, while Kyle Parker made seven catches for 68 yards and one touchdown.
Kicker Damian Ramos missed a field goal and made five extra points. Barion Brown had two kick returns for 142 yards and one touchdown. The defense made 81 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and two pass breakups.
