The Independence Bowl has found its replacement team, with Louisiana Tech filling in after Marshall opted out. 5-7 Louisiana Tech announced Saturday that it would take over the vacant bowl spot and compete against No. 19 Army.
Earlier on Saturday, sources told Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger that Marshall had withdrawn from the Dec. 28 game against Army because so many players are in the transfer portal.
Louisiana Tech will replace Marshall in the Independence Bowl, the game announced.
Several Power Conference schools topped Louisiana Tech among 5-7 teams in April, but the timing of Marshall’s announcement made it difficult for many to commit to the game. pic.twitter.com/NhjM0I5lSx
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 14, 2024
Marshall won the Sun Belt title game a week ago and finished the season at 10-3. But it was the last high school game for coach Charles Huff. He is now the coach at Southern Miss after being in the final year of a four-year contract with the Thundering Herd.
Huff’s departure led to many players transferring from the program. Players have the option to freely enter the transfer portal after a coaching change. Marshall has already announced that NC State defensive coordinator Tony Gibson would be Huff’s successor.
There were no teams ranked 6-6 or better missing a bowl game, meaning a 5-7 team would be selected to fill the spot. Louisiana Tech was next in line based on academic progress rate among 5-7 teams.
However, it is not easy to play a bowl game at a late time, especially when a school’s winter break has already started. The competition will take place on December 28.
The army is also not an easy opponent to prepare for with its three-pronged attack option. 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.
