TaxAct Texas Bowl: LSU (6-6) at Kansas State (7-5), Jan. 4, 9 p.m. Eastern (ESPN)
Line: Kansas State by 4 ½, according to FanDuel Sportsbook
Series record: LSU leads 1-0.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
LSU looks to extend its winning streak to three games behind interim coach Brad Davis after Ed Orgeron, who reached a separation agreement with the team in October, chose not to coach the bowl game. New coach Brian Kelly has been working to assemble his staff while the Tigers prepare to face Kansas State. LSU returns to bowl action for the first time since winning the 2019 national championship. Kansas State is also back in a bowl after a one-year hiatus and the Wildcats will look to bounce back after dropping their last two games this season.
KEY MATCHUP
LSU’s QB vs. Kansas State’s pass defense. Davis hasn’t said who will start Tuesday with Myles Brennan hurt and Max Johnson having transferred to Texas A&M. Freshman Garrett Nussmeier was listed first on a depth chart released this week but it’s unclear if he’ll play because one more game would burn his redshirt year. Walk-on Tavion Faulk is listed as Nussmeier’s backup. No matter who is at QB for LSU, he’ll face a pass defense that allowed 221.7 yards a game.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
LSU: RB Corey Kiner looks to lead the running game after top rusher Tyrion Davis-Price, who ran for 1,003 yards this season, opted out of the Texas Bowl to prepare for the NFL draft. Kiner enters the game after rushing 65 times for 271 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman this season.
Kansas State: QB Skylar Thompson is healthy and expected to start after missing the regular-season finale with an ankle injury. Thompson threw for 1,854 yards with nine touchdowns this season.
FACTS & FIGURES
The only meeting between these teams was a 21-0 victory by LSU on Sept. 13, 1980. … Davis will remain on Kelly’s staff next season as offensive line coach. … This will be LSU’s third appearance at NRG Stadium. The Tigers are 2-0 at the stadium after beating Wisconsin 28-24 in the 2014 season-opener and getting a win over Texas Tech in the 2015 Texas Bowl. … LSU has won 10 straight games in domed stadiums. … The Tigers are averaging 27.1 points and 373.5 yards a game. … LSU has had at least one touchdown pass in 41 straight games. … LSU K Cade York has made a school-record 118 straight extra points. … Kansas State is in the Texas Bowl for the third time. The Wildcats lost to Rutgers in the first Texas Bowl in 2006 and beat Texas A&M in 2016. … RB Deuce Vaughn has 1,258 yards rushing this season. … K-State DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah ranks first in the nation with six forced fumbles and is second in the Big 12 with 11 sacks and 14 ½ tackles for losses. … Kansas State Coach Chris Klieman is the first coach in school history to lead the Wildcats to two bowl games in his first three seasons.
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