The 2025 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl brings together two college football programs at a crossroads: the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (6-6) and the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (7-5). Set against the backdrop of Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana, this Tuesday afternoon clash marks the first-ever meeting between these two teams—and what a stage for such a debut! Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m. ET, with national coverage on ESPN and streaming available on the ESPN App and Fubo.
Both squads have taken winding paths to reach this postseason contest. For Coastal Carolina, the journey has been especially turbulent. After a promising 6-3 start to the season, the Chanticleers stumbled hard, dropping their final three regular-season games—including a tough 59-10 defeat at the hands of James Madison. The late-season skid prompted the firing of head coach Tim Beck, leaving defensive coordinator Jeremiah Johnson to steer the ship as interim head coach for this bowl appearance. Interestingly, Johnson is no stranger to the Bulldogs, having previously served as Louisiana Tech’s defensive coordinator. After the bowl game, he’s set to join Kansas State’s staff, making this a one-time homecoming of sorts.
For Louisiana Tech, the narrative is a bit steadier but not without its own drama. The Bulldogs, under the leadership of Sonny Cumbie, wrapped up the regular season with back-to-back wins, including a 42-30 triumph over Missouri State. Still, there’s pressure mounting on Cumbie after another campaign that left fans in Ruston wanting more. Entering the bowl as a 9.5-point favorite (according to DraftKings), Louisiana Tech faces heightened expectations—and possibly a hotter seat for Cumbie should things go sideways.
But the pre-game buildup isn’t just about coaching storylines. Both teams are dealing with significant roster shakeups due to injuries, opt-outs, and the ever-churning transfer portal. Louisiana Tech has seen five players depart since the end of the regular season, including quarterback Evan Bullock, running back Omiri Wiggins, linebacker Mekhi Mason, and defensive backs Jacob Fields and Michael Richard. That leaves Trey Kukuk as the expected starter at quarterback. Kukuk, who started the Bulldogs’ final two games, has shown dual-threat ability, passing for 526 yards (with two touchdowns and three interceptions) and rushing for 488 yards and five scores in those outings. Clay Thevenin anchors the ground attack with 605 yards and eight touchdowns on the year, while Eli Finley leads the receiving corps with 37 catches for 440 yards.
On the other side, Coastal Carolina’s offense has leaned heavily on its running game, led by Ja’Vin Simpkins (568 yards, two touchdowns), with support from Dominic Knicely and Jevon Edwards. Quarterback Tad Hudson has thrown for 942 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions. The receiving group features Cameron Wright (24 catches, 274 yards) and Karmello English, who’s hauled in three touchdown passes. Up front, the Chanticleers have suffered losses to the portal as well, with starting offensive linemen Nick Del Grande and Joseph Hanson moving on. Defensively, Zeke Campbell has been a force, tallying 5.5 sacks, while Jakari Foster leads the Bulldogs with seven interceptions on their end.
Statistically, the matchup presents intriguing contrasts. Coastal Carolina has struggled offensively, ranking just 104th out of 136 FBS teams in scoring with 22.8 points per game. Their passing game has been inconsistent, with a trio of quarterbacks taking snaps throughout the season. The Chanticleers’ best hope lies in their ground attack, but they’ll need to break through a Louisiana Tech defense that ranks in the top quarter nationally at limiting opponents’ scoring. On the flip side, Louisiana Tech’s offense has had its own issues with turnovers—seven touchdowns to nine interceptions by their quarterbacks—so ball security will be paramount. Coastal Carolina’s defense, however, has been vulnerable against the run, surrendering an average of 5.2 yards per carry to opponents. That could open the door for Thevenin and Kukuk to control the tempo on the ground.
The betting markets have responded to these dynamics. The line has shifted toward Louisiana Tech, who are now favored by as much as 10.5 points at some sportsbooks, with an over/under hovering around 50.5 points. According to SportsLine’s advanced projection model—which simulated the game 10,000 times—the total is likely to go over 49.5 points in nearly 60% of outcomes. The model projects Coastal Carolina quarterback Tad Hudson to pass for more than 195 yards and two touchdowns, while Bulldogs running back Omiri Wiggins (if available) is expected to rush for nearly 80 yards and a touchdown. However, with Wiggins reportedly in the transfer portal, Clay Thevenin and Kukuk will shoulder the load.
Not everyone sees a blowout coming, though. "Neither offense profiles like one that should be able to run away with this game, and Johnson’s familiarity with the Bulldogs should help keep the Chanticleers in this contest long enough to cover this two-score spread," wrote Michael Leboff for the New York Post. Betting experts have recommended taking Coastal Carolina +9.5, especially given the uncertainty around both rosters and the impact of interim coaching.
For Louisiana Tech, the Independence Bowl offers a chance to cap a solid season with a third straight win, despite the depleted roster. For Coastal Carolina, it’s an opportunity to regroup under new leadership and perhaps spring a surprise. Both teams are looking to set a positive tone heading into the offseason, and for some players and coaches, this game marks a final chapter before new journeys begin. As for the fans, they’re in for a matchup that, while chaotic on paper, promises plenty of intrigue and a glimpse at the future direction of both programs.
With the Independence Bowl set to kick off soon and the action still ahead, all eyes are on Shreveport to see which team will seize the moment. Whether it’s a defensive slugfest or an unexpected offensive shootout, one thing’s for sure: college football’s postseason drama is alive and well in Louisiana.
