The LSU Tigers and Houston Cougars meet Saturday in the college football action at NRG Stadium. Here’s a Houston vs LSU Prediction. This article will include a Houston vs LSU Pick.
LSU Tigers Betting Preview
The LSU Tigers beat Western Kentucky and lost to Oklahoma. LSU has lost 5 of its last 8 games. Garrett Nussmeier is completing 67.4 percent of his passes for 1,927 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Barion Brown and Zavion Thomas have combined for 968 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, while Aaron Anderson has 33 receptions.
The LSU Tigers ground game is averaging 106.3 yards per contest, and Caden Durham leads the way with 505 yards and 3 touchdowns. Defensively, LSU is allowing 18.3 points and 319.7 yards per game. A.J. Haulcy leads the LSU Tigers with 89 tackles, Harold Perkins Jr. has 4 sacks and DJ Pickett has 3 interceptions.
Houston Cougars Betting Preview
The Houston Cougars lost to TCU and beat Baylor. The Houston Cougars have won 5 of their last 8 games. Conner Weigman is completing 64 percent of his passes for 2,475 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. Amare Thomas and Tanner Koziol have combined for 1,557 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, while Stephon Johnson has 13 receptions.
The Houston Cougars ground game is averaging 175.7 yards per contest, and Dean Connors leads the way with 851 yards and 5 touchdowns. Defensively, Houston is allowing 21.8 points and 348.2 yards per game. Jalen Garner leads the Houston Cougars with 75 tackles, Eddie Walls III has 5.5 sacks and Will James has 3 interceptions.
Why the Houston Cougars will win
- The favorite has won each of LSU’s last 11 games.
- 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 five of its last six games as a favorite against teams from Louisiana.
- 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 four of its last six games as a favorite at neutral venues.
- The underdog has covered the spread in five of Houston’s last six games.
- 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 as a favorite have gone OVER 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.
Houston vs LSU Prediction
LSU entered this season with goals of a playoff berth, so I question the motivation. This is a home game for Houston, so the crowd presence will be felt. Also, LSU will be missing NFL caliber talent in corner Mansoor Delance, linebacker Harold Perkins Jr., and wide receiver Aaron Anderson. Outside of offensive lineman Demetrius Hunter, everybody is suiting up for Houston.
LSU was 4-8 ATS on the season, while Houston was 8-4 ATS. Since September, LSU is 0-5 SU and 1-4 ATS as an underdog. LSU has lost those games by an average of 10.2 points. Short line, I’m going to side with Houston.