HOUSTON - Fans from across the nation gathered at NRG Stadium in Houston for the Kinder's Texas Bowl, where the Baylor Bears faced off against the LSU Tigers in an exciting Big 12 versus SEC college football showdown on New Year's Eve. The Kinder's Texas Bowl brought together generations of families, friends, and fans to witness the Baylor Bears take on the LSU Tigers at NRG Stadium. The atmosphere was electric as alumni and supporters from both universities eagerly anticipated the game.
Maria Bardwell, an LSU fan, expressed her excitement about attending the game with her granddaughter. "It’s a really awesome opportunity. We’re excited to be here with our granddaughter. Yay, go Tigers!" she said. Kim Hart, another devoted LSU fan, shared her lifelong passion for the team: "I wouldn’t be anywhere else but rooting for my Tigers fam. I’ve been a Tiger fan my entire life. Those were probably my first words: Go Tigers!"
The event attracted people from all over the country, eager to experience the Big 12 versus SEC football action. Baylor fan Ted Garza was thrilled about the opportunity to see his team play in Houston. "This is a dream come true..." Garza exclaimed. "My daughter is on the spirit squad, and we were waiting in anticipation on where we would go. Being here is great; we get to come here to play and then go home for New Year's."
Paul Hosni, another Baylor supporter who flew in from Georgia to attend the game, declared, "We love this. We look forward to this every year whenever Baylor is in a bowl game, and we’ve been to most bowl games Baylor participates in." For some fans, the game was also about celebrating personal milestones. Andrew Morgan, a Baylor alum, celebrated his birthday at the game. "I’m here on my birthday to watch Baylor just beat the heck out of LSU, but more than anything, we want a good game," he said, with his wife adding, "We’re super excited to be here at the game."
Stacey Gazetta, also a Baylor alum, expressed her joy at reuniting with friends for the occasion. "It’s so special. It’s so fun. I’m glad to be here in Houston. My friend is from San Antonio. We’re coming together, and we’re hoping for a great BU game. Sic’Em!"
On the field, Garrett Nussmeier passed for 304 yards and three touchdowns, leading LSU to defeat Baylor 44-31. Nussmeier threw two touchdown passes to Trey'Dez Green, and Chris Hilton Jr. caught the other scoring pass, finishing with 113 receiving yards. LSU's Zavion Thomas made his mark with a thrilling kickoff return for touchdown. Coach Brian Kelly shared his satisfaction: "Critics would say it was disappointing. It wasn't disappointing. It was a team with some less-than-perfect moments, but we gained experience and came out with nine wins. I’m just happy for our football team."
Meanwhile, Sawyer Robertson of Baylor threw for 445 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing impressive resolve even though the Bears struggled with fourth-down conversions, failing five of six attempts. Coach Dave Aranda reflected on the missed opportunities, stating, "This was an opportunity for us to get to another level and we didn't do it. The moment was too big for us. We had way too many mistakes, and it just wasn’t our day."
The first possession of the second half ended disappointingly for Baylor when Robertson’s fourth-down incompletion squashed hopes at narrowing the lead. Yet, the Bears battled back with quick touchdowns, showing resilience as they cut the LSU lead. Despite their efforts, including turning one of their interceptions from Nussmeier to another touchdown, the Bears never quite managed to steal the lead, eventually succumbing to LSU's powerful offense.
After the game, as fans filed out and shared their thoughts about the experience, Baylor supporters maintained their enthusiasm for their team, proud of their season and hopeful for the future. The Texas Bowl served as not just another game, but as just one memory added to many within the long-lived traditions of college football, bringing excitement and nostalgia to fans across the country.