Overview
- Houston (9-3) meets LSU (7-5) tonight at NRG Stadium in Houston with kickoff set for 9:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.
- Interim coach Frank Wilson leads LSU for one last game and is expected to join Ole Miss as running backs coach after the bowl, according to reports.
- LSU will be without quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and several defensive standouts due to injuries and opt-outs, elevating Michael Van Buren Jr. into a key audition at quarterback.
- Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman confirmed he will return for his senior season after totaling 2,475 passing yards with 21 touchdowns and 644 rushing yards with 11 scores.
- Oddsmakers list Houston as a slight favorite at roughly -2.5 to -3, with the near-home setting at NRG Stadium adding to the Cougars' perceived edge.