Going into the final game of the season, Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers were assured that they would not be winning 10 games for the first year under his tenure. That does not mean the Tigers would not come into this game fired up against former LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda.
LSU got off to a hot start, outscoring Baylor 14-0 in the first quarter before the Bears finally got on the board. The Tigers led 34-17 at the half, and even though Baylor outscored LSU 14-10 in the second half, the Tigers hung on for a good win in the Texas Bowl.
Let’s look at the players who saw their stock rise or fall in this game.
Stock Up: Garrett Nussmeier
In the year’s final game, Garrett Nussmeier showed that he is still the gunslinger we all know and love. He finished the afternoon 24-for-34 for 304 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
Stock Up: Chris Hilton Jr.
Chris Hilton Jr. had one of his best games of the season as he stepped up and made a big contribution to the team with four receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown.
Stock Up: Davhon Keys
Davhon Keys had a big day as he amassed five total tackles and added a pick-six to his resume.
Stock Up: Zavion Thomas
Zavion Thomas made a big play near the end of the second quarter. He responded with a kickoff return touchdown after Baylor had scored to cut the LSU lead to 28-14.
Stock Up: Finishing the season strong
I know people love to peddle the misinformation that “Bowl games do not matter,” but I believe winning games like these at the end of the year could build the confidence of your returning players as the team heads into the next season.
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This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Stock Up, Stock Down: LSU finishes the season strong against Baylor
