LSU Tigers vs Houston Cougars Prediction, 12/27/2025 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: LSU Tigers vs Houston Cougars

Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025

Location: NRG Stadium in Houston, TX

TV: ESPN

Odds/Point Spread: Cougars (-3.0)

Total/Over-Under: 41.5

NRG Stadium is the location where the Houston Cougars (9-3) will attempt to defeat the LSU Tigers (7-5) on Saturday, December 27, 2025 in the Kinder's Texas Bowl. Houston opens this contest as 3.0-point favorites. The total comes in at 41.5.

The LSU Tigers come into this game with a record of 7-5 this season. The last time they stepped onto the field, the Tigers stepped onto the field against the Oklahoma Sooners and took a loss by a score of 17-13. The LSU Tigers ended up rushing 29 different times and accumulated 85 yds, earning them an average of 2.9 yards per carry. For the game, they tallied 55 plays which totaled 198 yds. LSU conceded 23 completions on 38 attempts for 318 yds, and a completion rate of 60.5%. On the ground, the Tigers gave up 75 yards on 28 tries, which is 2.7 yards per run allowed.

Regarding putting the ball in the endzone, the LSU Tigers have an average of 21.8 PPG. Offensively they hold an average of 106.3 yards on the ground which has them sitting 122nd in D-1. The Tigers have racked up 3,992 total yards this season. When it comes to getting the ball in the endzone, LSU has compiled 17 touchdowns through the air and 10 rushing touchdowns. LSU has 227 first downs as a team, and they have been called for 82 penalties for 676 yds. They have surrendered the ball 13 different times.

The Tigers are ranked 14th in the nation regarding team defense, giving up 18.3 PPG. They are allowing teams to run for an average of 3.6 yards per run and 117.2 rushing yards per game for the year. During the season, they have allowed 1,406 rushing yards through 12 outings. When talking about passing yards, the Tigers are giving up 2,430 yds which puts them in 34th in college football. They have conceded 202.5 yards per game through the air and giving up a completion percentage of 58.3%. In total, they are allowing 319.7 yards per contest ranking them 25th in college football. They have surrendered 10 touchdowns via the pass in addition to 14 touchdowns on the ground.

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The Cougars head into this matchup 9-3 this season. The last time they took the field, the Cougars got the victory with a final of 31-24 when they faced the Baylor Bears. Houston allowed 26 rushing attempts for 112 yds (4.3 yds per carry). The Cougars secondary allowed a completion percentage of 50.0%, relinquishing 309 yds on 23 out of 46 through the air. The Cougars finished with 417 yards on 79 plays (5.3 yds per play). Houston rushed for 4.5 yards per attempt, finishing the contest with 216 yards on 48 attempts.

When looking at their scoring prowess, the Cougars are sitting 63rd in Division 1 by tallying 28.3 points per contest. The Houston Cougars have an average of 390.9 yards/contest, which has them ranked 66th in the nation. The Houston offense has compiled 492 yds of penalties on 56 infractions, which ranks them 120th in the nation in terms of making mistakes. They have tossed 10 picks while surrendering 4 fumbles and they have been able to record 256 1st downs. Over the course of the season thus far, the Cougars have racked up 2,584 passing yards in addition to an average of 215.3 throwing yards per outing, which ranks 84th in the country. They are averaging 175.7 yards per game on the ground and have run for 2,108 yards overall.

Houston has surrendered a total of 1,600 rushing yards (133.3 yards per contest) as well as 16 touchdowns on the ground so far this year. They have allowed 13 touchdowns through the air and 214.8 yards/outing, which has them ranked 59th in D-1. In total, they have surrendered 262 points in total. Their defense has compiled 5 fumbles and 12 picks on the season. The Cougars defense has participated in 805 plays, ranking them 59th in college football. The Cougars are allowing 21.8 points per game, which has them sitting 41st in Division 1.

Who will win tonight's Tigers/Cougars college football game against the spread?

Josh's Pick: Take the Tigers +3.0

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