Texas Bowl Preview: LSU vs. Texas Tech
Nov 28, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) carries the ball against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M Aggies 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Take a look at the marquee and you’ll see headliner LSU RB Leonard Fournette as probably the “player to watch” for the bowl matchup. While he very well may be the best player in the game, there are several other notable athletes to keep an eye on in the Advocare Texas Bowl. From Texas Tech WR Jakeem Grant to LSU LB Deion Jones, there are plenty of studs so let’s preview this bowl showdown in Houston.
Why LSU May Win
Fournette (1,741 yards, 18 TDs) is the straw that stirs the drink for LSU. When he’s on top of his game, LSU is extremely difficult to defeat. Which was evident in their three losses this season where he totaled 31, 91, 108 yards respectively as they were his three lowest game totals on the season. What Texas Tech has to offer is the 125th overall defense in college football as they allow 531.4 total yards per game as well as 124th in rushing defense as they give up 267.7 rushing yards a game. Translation: Fournette will probably eat and eat plenty.
Also, the Tigers defense is a unit that has been gritty pretty much all season as they are 21st overall in defense (342.5 yards allowed per game). The two best players on defense are their athletic linebackers in Jones and Kendall Beckwith. The two defenders have combined for 145 tackles and 16.5 tackles for loss on the season. FS Jalen Mills and CB Tre’Davious White get the spotlight for NFL Draft purposes but strong safety Jamal Adams (56 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 4 INTs) is worth watching as well.
Why Texas Tech May Win
QB Patrick Mahomes is going to have to play out of his mind which he has at times this season. Passing for 4, 283 yards and 32 touchdowns, Mahomes established himself as a legit playmaker in the Big 12. His favorite target is small but impactful wide-out Jakeem Grant. If you love small guys who are hard to find and able to break one at any given moment, meet Mr. Grant. The tempo and pace of the Red Raiders will be key as their defense is nothing to boast about. A high-flying offense such as Texas Tech can very well give LSU a test as they are first in overall offense (593 ypg), third in points (45.5 ppg) and fourth in yards per play (7.0).
Who Will Win
The game will pretty much be predicated off the play of Fournette. The run defense for the Red Raiders is awful and that’s sugar-coating. Fournette could very well reach the 200-yard plateau comfortably and 300 yards is not that outrageous. However, keep an eye on Mahomes and the offense of Texas Tech. It’s going to be vital that they score and maintain a consistent tempo to keep Fournette off the field.
Tigers 41 Red Raiders 28