LSU vs Houston Prediction 12/27/2025 Today’s College Football Picks

The LSU Tigers and the Houston Cougars meet in the Texas Bowl in college football action from NRG Stadium on Saturday. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an LSU Tigers vs. Houston Cougars prediction.

LSU Tigers Recap

The LSU Tigers come into the bowl game on behalf of the SEC, sitting at 7-5 on the year after a 17-13 loss to Oklahoma to close out the regular season.

Tigers Looking For Fourth Straight Bowl Win

Garrett Nussmeier has thrown for 1,927 yards, 12 touchdowns and 5 interceptions on 67.4% passing while Michael Van Buren Jr. has thrown for 743 yards, 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions on 62.4% passing. Caden Durham has rushed for 505 yards and 3 touchdowns and Harlem Berry has 446 rushing yards and 2 TDs so far this season. Barion Brown leads LSU’s receivers with 52 catches for 495 yards while Zavion Thomas has 40 grabs for 473 yards and 4 TDs. Aaron Anderson’s added 33 catches for 398 yards and Trey’Dez Green has 29 catches for 353 yards and 5 touchdowns. On defense, A.J. Haulcy has 89 total tackles to lead LSU’s defense with 49 solo tackles and a team-high 3 interceptions as well. DJ Pickett also has 3 interceptions and Harold Perkins Jr. has a team-high 4 sacks. As a unit, LSU’s defense has combined for 27 sacks and 17 interceptions so far this season. 

Houston Cougars Recap

The Houston Cougars come into this game repping the Big 12, sitting at 9-3 this season after their 31-24 win over Baylor last time out.

Cougars Looking For Third Straight Bowl Win

Conner Weigman has thrown for 2,475 yards, 21 touchdowns and 9 interceptions on 64% passing while Dean Connors has rushed for 851 yards and 5 TDs on the ground this season. Weigman has 644 rushing yards and 11 rushing TDs. Amare Thomas leads the Cougars with 906 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns while Stephon Johnson has 275 receiving yards and 2 TDs and Tanner Koziol has 651 receiving yards and 5 scores as well this season. On defense, Jalen Garner has a team-high 75 total tackles while Eddie Walls III has a team-high 5.5 sacks. Brandon Mack II has 5 sacks and Will James has a team-high 3 interceptions. As a unit, Houston’s defense has combined for 24 sacks and 12 interceptions so far this season.

LSU Tigers @ Houston Cougars Betting Trends: Bowl

Why the Houston Cougars will win

• Houston has won each of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
• LSU has lost four of its last five games in Texas.
• LSU has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games.
• Houston has covered the spread in four of its last five games against non-conference opponents.
• Houston has won the first half in three of its last four games against non-conference opponents.

Why the LSU Tigers will win

• LSU has won 24 of its last 25 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Houston has lost six of its last eight games at neutral venues.
• LSU has covered the spread in 16 of its last 20 games against teams from Texas.
• Houston has failed to cover the spread in six of its last eight games in December.
• LSU has won the first half in five of its last six games against non-conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of LSU’s last seven Bowl games have gone OVER the total points line
• Each of Houston’s last five games at neutral venues have gone UNDER the total points line.

Houston Cougars Player Prop Facts

• Heading into the bowl games, Amare Thomas ranks T11th amongst FBS players for receiving touchdowns (10) this season.

LSU Tigers Player Prop Facts

• Heading into the bowl games, Damian Ramos ranks T4th amongst FBS players for made field goals (24) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

• Houston ranks 3rd among FBS teams for Q3 opponent points per game this season (1.6).
• Houston is one of only seven FBS teams undefeated in road games this season (6-0).
• LSU has recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of 10 points or less of any FBS team this season (4).
• LSU has lost the first quarter in each of its last seven games – longest active streak in the FBS.

LSU Tigers vs. Houston Cougars Prediction

I’m on Houston here. There are so many opt-outs, injuries and transfer portal hits onLSU’s side that I don’t know truly where the offense is going to come from for the Tigers. LSU is simply depleted, and I think that Houston takes advantage with a win and cover here. Give me Houston.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Houston -1.5