By Erik Evenson, Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Director of Communications (Louisiana Tech Strategic Communications contributed to this report).
The Marshall Thundering Herd will not play in the 2024 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. Marshall opted not to play in the bowl game because of player unavailability due to activity in the transfer portal.
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (5-7) will replace the Marshall Thundering Herd in the 2024 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl – set to face off against the No. 19 (AP) Army West Point Black Knights on Saturday, December 28 at 8:15 p.m. CST on ESPN.
“It is unfortunate that Marshall determined they won’t be able to compete in the bowl in a couple of weeks. 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 that with two conference champions,” said Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Executive Director Missy Setters. “Moving forward we are very excited to host Louisiana Tech and are thrilled we found an opponent for Army. We appreciate La Tech AD Ryan Ivey, Coach Sonny Cumbie, their players, and support staff for their willingness to step up and play in our bowl game.
“Army has had a tremendous season, and Bowl Season is all about celebrating that success and providing a reward at the end of the season. We look forward to showing both teams what our community is all about and providing them with an unforgettable Bowl Week experience.”
“We are excited to accept the opportunity to play in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl against a fantastic and storied program as Army,” Vice President and Director of Athletics Ryan Ivey. “I believe our football program is moving toward positive structure and the opportunity to play in this bowl adds to that momentum. We are looking forward to being in Shreveport for this matchup.”
LA Tech put itself in this position by winning two of its last three games, a 12-7 upset victory at WKU and a 33-0 shutout win against Kennesaw State in the regular season finale, to finish with a 5-7 record.
The Bulldogs will be going bowling for the first time since 2020 and will be returning to the Independence Stadium where they blanked Miami (Fla.), 14-0, in the 2019 Independence Bowl.
LA Tech and Army have squared off twice before on the gridiron with the last matchup coming in 2013 at the Cotton Bowl. The game will kick off at 8:15 p.m. CT on ESPN.
Tickets are on sale at RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com/Tickets and start at $20. There is a bevy of ticket packages available – including individual tickets, group tickets, Pizza Hut Family 4-Packs, Small Business Fan Packs, premium options and more. For ticketing questions, fans can email [email protected] or call the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl office at (318) 221-0712.