Texas Bowl 2018, Baylor vs. Vanderbilt: Where, when, and team info
The game in Houston now has its matchup.
Who’s playing in the 2018 Texas Bowl?
Baylor (6-6, 4-5 in Big 12)
Matt Rhule’s team won one game a year ago, and nobody freaked out, because Rhule’s a proven program-builder and had a big rebuild in front of him. This year, he delivered proof of concept, and Baylor secured bowl eligibility by beating Texas Tech (and ushering out Kliff Kingsbury) in Week 13. Five of their six wins came against FCS Abilene Christian, UTSA, Kansas, Kansas State, and TTU, so it’s best to temper expectations for a team still in the 80s in S&P+. But improvement is improvement, and it’s extra nice when it comes with a sophomore like Charlie Brewer at QB.
Vanderbilt (6-6, 3-5 in SEC)
Vandy still hasn’t gotten back to the nine-win peak it reached for two years at the end of James Franklin’s tenure, but at least the Commodores are in a bowl for the second time in three years. And at least they got there by beating in-state rival Tennessee for the third year in a row and fifth time in seven years, continuing a stunning role reversal for the state’s two SEC programs. Running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn (1,001 yards on a seven-yard average) is the strength of a solid offense, and QB Kyle Shurmur’s had his moments. The bowl will be the last game of the senior’s college career.
Where is the Texas Bowl?
NRG Stadium in Houston plays host to the Texas Bowl. It’s the home to the Houston Texans, and numerous Final Four clashes.
When is the Texas Bowl, and how can I watch it?
9:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, Dec. 27. ESPN for TV, and WatchESPN for streaming.
