The Independence Bowl found its replacement team, with Louisiana Tech filling in after Marshall opted out. 5-7 Louisiana Tech announced Saturday that it will take over the vacant bowl spot and compete with No. 19 Army.
Earlier Saturday, sources told Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports that Marshall withdrew from the Dec. 28 game against Army because he has so many players on the transfer window.
Louisiana Tech to replace Marshall in Independence Bowl, game announced.
Several power conference schools 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 get into the game. pic.twitter.com/NhjM0I5lSx
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 14, 2024
Marshall won the Sun Belt title game a week ago to end the season at 10-3. However, 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 opportunity to freely enter the transfer portal after a change of coach. Marshall has already announced that NC State defensive coordinator Tony Gibson will be Huff’s successor.
There were no 6-6 or better teams that missed the bowl game, meaning a 5-7 team will be selected to fill the spot. Louisiana Tech was next based on Academic Progress Rate among 5-7 teams.
However, it is not easy to get into the game at a later time, especially if the school winter holidays have already started. The match will take place on December 28.
Army is also not an easy opponent to prepare for with a three-option attack. 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.