RUSTON – Christmas came early for Louisiana Tech. That present was an invitation to play in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl against 19th-ranked Army on Saturday, Dec. 28 at Independence Stadium in Shreveport. The invite came following news Saturday when Marshall notified officials of its intent to withdraw from the Independence Bowl.
"We are excited to accept the opportunity to play in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl against a fantastic and storied program as Army," said Ryan Ivey, Vice President and Director of Athletics at Louisiana Tech. "I believe our football program is moving toward positive structure and the opportunity to play in this bowl adds to the momentum. We are looking forward to being in Shreveport for this matchup."
Louisiana Tech secured its position by finishing the season with two wins out of their last three games, including a stunning 12-7 victory against Western Kentucky and a resounding 33-0 triumph over Kennesaw State, giving them a final record of 5-7. This will mark the Bulldogs’ first bowl appearance since 2020, and they have fond memories of Independence Stadium, where they pulled off a 14-0 shutout against Miami (Fla.) back in the 2019 Independence Bowl.
Marshall’s decision to step back from the Independence Bowl was triggered by the unexpected upheaval within their roster, primarily caused by the transfer portal. Following their recent Sun Belt championship, where they finished the season with a remarkable 10-3 record, Marshall's head coach, Charles Huff, accepted the head coaching position at Southern Mississippi. His departure left the team vulnerable as numerous players entered the transfer portal, significantly reducing their roster depth.
"The number of players who entered the portal was unfortunately so significant it impacted our ability to field a team," explained Keith Gill, the Sun Belt Conference Commissioner. The difficulty for the Thundering Herd was compounded when they fell below the medically safe roster minimum to play the game.
With many teams already locked out due to their win records, Louisiana Tech emerged as the next logical candidate, ranked by their Academic Progress Rate (APR) among the pool of 5-7 teams. Despite not initially being bowl eligible, the Bulldogs seized the opportunity presented by Marshall’s withdrawal.
The announcement of the replacement team was confirmed on social media by the Independence Bowl, which noted, "Louisiana Tech will replace Marshall. We appreciate their willingness to step up and play."
Erik Everson, representative from the Independence Bowl, noted, "There were no more 6-6 teams so we had to move to 5-7 teams.” This decision emphasizes the tight schedule and challenges bowls face when trying to fulfill matchups, especially late in the season. Notably, Marshall's withdrawal left many power conference schools unable to accept the late invitation due to prior commitments or their own team issues.
Army, boasting a notable record of 11-1 after winning the American Athletic Conference Championship against Tulane, is set to provide tough competition. The Black Knights' offense, notorious for its triple-option strategy, poses challenges for any opponent, especially one preparing on short notice. The matchup against Louisiana Tech will kick off at 8:15 p.m. CT and will be broadcast live on ESPN, inviting viewers to witness what is expected to be another competitive contest.
Prior encounters between Louisiana Tech and Army have noted the competitive spirit of these programs, with the last face-off taking place at the Cotton Bowl back in 2013. With little time to prepare, Coach Sonny Cumbie of Louisiana Tech has expressed optimism, aiming to maximize his team’s readiness for this challenging game.
Louisiana Tech’s opportunity serves not only as redemption but also as recognition for their perseverance throughout the season. Fans can track ticket purchases and additional details surrounding the game through the Independence Bowl’s official channels.
Missy Setters, the Executive Director of the Independence Bowl, shared her sentiments about the sudden changes: "It is unfortunate Marshall determined they won’t be able to compete. Our goal was to create the best matchup possible for our local fans and college football fans throughout the country, and we think we did with two conference champions."
Setters voiced appreciation for Louisiana Tech stepping up on such short notice, highlighting the importance of community and local engagement during the bowl season. The entire Shreveport community is eager to host the Bulldogs and Army, showcasing what the Independence Bowl has to offer.
The situation certainly brings to light the unpredictability of college football where coaching changes and the transfer portal can dramatically shift postseason plans. For Marshall, losing their head coach and numerous key players left them unable to compete. But for Louisiana Tech, this unexpected turn of events offers not just a game line-up, but also the chance to reignite the passion of their football program.
Looking forward, the matchup at the Independence Bowl becomes much more than just another game; it's set to be a celebration of college football and resilience on both sides. So as the Bulldogs prepare to take the field, the stakes remain high and the anticipation grows for what promises to be another remarkable matchup on Dec. 28.
