LSU football capped its 2024 season on a high note, beating Baylor 44-31 in the Texas Bowl.
The Tigers got off to a fast start, scoring on their first drive. During the ensuing possession, LSU linebacker Dahvon Keys picked off a tipped pass and ran it back for six, putting LSU up 14-0.
Baylor managed a response, but LSU found the end zone again to go up 21-7.
Along with Keys’ pick-six, LSU got a boost from its special teams. Zavion Thomas ran a kick back for a touchdown, making it LSU’s second-straight game returning a kick for six after Aaron Anderson accomplished the same feat in the win over Oklahoma.
LSU now goes into the offseason with a three-game winning, capturing much-needed momentum after a three-game skid killed the Tigers’ playoff hopes in November.
Expectations are high for LSU heading into 2025. A strong finish paired with a top transfer class has Brian Kelly eyeing the playoffs next year.
Garrett Nussmeier delivers
Garrett Nussmeier didn’t have the protection of his two All-SEC tackles, and LSU was without three of its four leading receivers. It didn’t matter. The redshirt junior delivered, playing some of his best football of the year.
It’s evident Nussmeier turned a corner after the Florida game, stringing three- good performances together. This is the most consistent we’ve seen the LSU QB play all year.
Nussmeier finished with 261 yards and three scores.
Trey’Dez Green is a budding star.
In the absence of Mason Taylor and Ka’Morreun Pimpton, tight end Trey’Dez Green emerged. Hopes were high for the five-star true freshman getting his first real opportunity, and he met all expectations.
On the first drive, Green came up big with a key fourth-down conversion. He later finished the drive with a touchdown on third down.
In the second quarter, Nussmeier found Green again for another score. Green’s final line wasn’t prolific, but he was a trustworthy target for Nussmeier in big moments.
Green finished with six catches for 53 yards with two scores.
Defense gives LSU enough.
LSU’s defense wasn’t consistent, but the Tigers made just enough plays on that side of the ball for the offense to capitalize.
With Baylor star running back Bryson Washington out of the game, LSU stifled the Baylor rushing attack.
Keys interception was big, along with a couple of key havoc plays from safety Jardin Gilbert. Paris Shand made his presence felt with a sack of Baylor QB Sawyer Robertson.
On late downs, LSU held Baylor to just three successful runs all day.
Chris Hilton continues big play trend
Against Oklahoma, Chris Hilton awoke with two 40+ yard catches. He continued that trend with two more vs. Baylor.
LSU was waiting for the big play threat to emerge all year. It took a while for Hilton to settle in and find his role after returning from injury, but his final two games should give LSU hope if Hilton elects to return in 2024.
LSU’s ability to generate big plays over the top opens the rest of the offense. It clears up the passing lanes in the intermediate and helps create a numbers advantage in the run game.
LSU eyes the playoff heading into the offseason
As usual, expectations are high entering the new year. LSU missed the playoff in 2024. Brian Kelly knows the expectation at LSU is to compete for a national title, hence the Tigers’ aggressive approach in the transfer portal.
The return of Nussmeier, along with players like Harold Perkins and Aaron Anderson, will lead to LSU being a popular playoff pick in 2025.
Whether it is enough to compete for that national title is yet to be determined, but with the way LSU finished the season, the Tigers have to feel good about where the roster stands.