STATION SURVEY: Texas Bowl picks

Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

By Hunt Palmer

It’s LSU and Houston from NRG Stadium in Houston. The 104.5 ESPN staff has its final picks.

Jacob Hester, Co-host, Off the Bench: LSU finally gets somewhat of a consistent run game going and takes control of the clock. 21-17, LSU.

Matt Flynn, Co-host, Off the Bench: Tigers by 100. Or 1. Either way.

Taylor Sharp, Video Producer, Off the Bench: LSU will be a little short-handed in this game facing a fully healthy and talented Houston team. Everything tells me to pick the Cougars, but I did that last year with Baylor and ended up with egg on my face, which I did not enjoy. Give me the Tigers to finish the season strong as the Lane Kiffin era gets set to begin! 24-13, LSU

Alondra Villarreal, Audio Producer, Off the Bench: I’m probably more concerned with the LSU-Ole Miss coach swap, but I’ll go with LSU, 20-14

Charles Hanagriff, Co-host, Live at Lunch: Appears Cougars may have more front line personnel available than the Tigers. 21-17, Houston.

Jordan Kitchens, Audio Producer, Hunt Palmer Show: I think LSU is offensively challenged and can’t score more than 25 against a real opponent. I think it’ll be a valiant effort but the lack of some impact guys from opting out will come back to bite LSU. 24-20, Houston.

Hunt Palmer, Host, The Hunt Palmer Show: LSU’s offense isn’t good.
LSU defense is missing five key pieces. The program has moved on to 2026. 23-10, Houston.

Matt Moscona, Host, After Further Review: Blake Baker’s defense put Conner Weigman in a pretzel last season at Texas A&M. Even down a handful of starters, the LSU defense should fare just fine against a Cougars offense that ranks 63^rd in scoring. The question is if the LSU offense found any sort of magic unlock during bowl prep. Probably not. Still, the Tigers roster is better and LSU gets a slight edge in the kicking game. 23-20, LSU.

Matthew Musso, Audio Producer, After Further Review: Strictly vibes, 23-20, LSU.

Paul O’Neill, Video Producer, After Further Review: No doubt this has been one of the more disappointing LSU seasons in recent memory. Most LSU fans are already looking ahead to next season and the start of the Lane Kiffin era. I’m sure this group of Tigers will want to send Frank Wilson out on a high note but the injuries and opt outs might be too much to overcome. 26-17, Houston.