Louisiana Tech to fill in at the Independence Bowl after Marshall opted out, will play against Army

On December 15, 2024By Littum

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - NOVEMBER 23: Evan Bullock #7 of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs rolls out for a pass during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Bulldogs 35-14. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) — Louisiana Tech quarterback Evan Bullock and the Bulldogs will take on Army in the Independence Bowl after Marshall opted out. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

The Independence Bowl has found its replacement team, with Louisiana Tech in place after Marshall opted out. 5-7 Louisiana Tech announced Saturday that it would take over the vacant spot in the bowl, and would compete against No. 19 Army.

Earlier Saturday, sources told Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger that Marshall had pulled out of the Dec. 28 game against Army because it has so many players on the transfer portal.

Louisiana Tech will replace Marshall in the Independence Bowl, the game announced.

Several power conference schools were ranked ahead of Louisiana Tech in the APR among 5-7 teams, but the timing of Marshall’s announcement made it difficult for many to commit to the game. pic.twitter.com/NhjM0I5lSx

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) 14 December 2024

Marshall won the Sun Belt title game a week ago and finished the season 10-3. But it was the last game at the school for coach Charles Huff. He is now the coach at Southern Miss after being in the final year of a four-year deal with the Thundering Herd.

Huff’s departure led to many players transferring from the program. Players have the option of freely entering the transfer portal after a change of coach. Marshall has already announced that NC State defensive coordinator Tony Gibson would be Huff’s successor.

There were no teams 6–6 or better that missed a bowl game, meaning a 5–7 team would be selected to fill the slot. Louisiana Tech was next based on its academic progress rate among 5-7 teams.

However, it is not easy to be called to play a bowling game at late notice, especially if a school’s winter break has already started. The game will take place on December 28.

Army is also not an easy opponent to prepare for with its triple options. The Black Knights are 11-1 after beating Tulane in the AAC title game and could finish 12-1 with a win over Navy on Saturday.