Louisiana Tech wins big in Independence Bowl comeback; downs Coastal Carolina 23-14

Photo credit: Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA (December 30, 2025)  The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs pulled off an amazing comeback to beat the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers 23–14 in the 2025 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Bulldogs trailed by 11 points at halftime, but they shut out the Chanticleers in the second half to win the game.

Coastal Carolina looked strong early. Their quarterback threw two touchdown passes in the first half, and Coastal led 14–3 at the break. Louisiana Tech only managed one field goal before halftime.lldogs came out ready in the second half. Their defense stopped Coastal Carolina again and again. A long punt return gave Tech good field position, and they kicked another field goal to make the score 14–6.

Late in the fourth quarter, Louisiana Tech really took control. Quarterback Trey Kukuk (shown above), who was selected at the game's offensive MVP, hit Marlion Jackson with a 52-yard touchdown pass, making the score 14–12. The two-point try didn’t work, but the momentum had changed.

After another defensive stop, Tech drove the ball again. Kukuk ran for a long gain, and Andrew Burnette scored a short touchdown to give the Bulldogs the lead 20–14. Then, kicker Kaegan Kent hit a 35-yard field goal late to make it 23–14.

Louisiana Tech’s defense helped seal the win by stopping Coastal Carolina on their last chances. The Bulldogs also got an interception late in the game to end the final threat.

With the win, the Bulldogs finish 8–5 on the season and earn a bowl championship. It was their ninth bowl victory ever and their biggest comeback in a bowl game. The victory also gave Louisiana Tech its first winning season since 2019. 

Army shines in Independence Bowl victory over Louisiana Tech

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA (December 28, 2024) The Army Black Knights capped off an incredible season with a dominant 27-6 win over Louisiana Tech in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on Saturday night. Led by head coach Jeff Monken, the Black Knights (12-2) showed why they are ranked No. 19 in the nation, earning their 12th win of the season, a program record.

Quarterback Bryson Daily (No. 13, above left) made history once again, scoring three touchdowns in the game. Daily’s 32 touchdowns this season set a new record for quarterbacks in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). He also became only the second Army quarterback to rush for over 1,000 yards and pass for over 1,000 yards in the same season. He was also named the Offensive Player of the Game, by a vote of the credentialed media in attendance at Independence Stadium.

The Black Knights’ offense was unstoppable early, putting together three long scoring drives in the first half. Two of those touchdowns came from Daily, while running back Hayden Reed added another. The offense chewed up the clock, holding the ball for over 22 minutes in the first half. Reed had a career-best game, rushing for 114 yards on 20 carries.

Army’s defense was just as impressive, keeping Louisiana Tech out of the end zone. This was the third time this season the Black Knights didn’t allow a touchdown. Linebacker Kalib Fortner earned Defensive Player of the Game honors for his efforts.

The victory highlighted a season of milestones for Army. Along with their program-best 12 wins, the team also received the Joe Moore Award for the best offensive line in college football. 

Army and Louisiana Tech to face off in Independence Bowl

At the 2023 Independence Bowl, Texas Tech defeated
California by the score of 34-14.

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA (December 23, 2024) The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl will feature Army and Louisiana Tech in a Saturday night, December 28 showdown at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. C T, with action being broadcast on ESPN and on the American Forces Network.

This game marks Army’s first return to the Independence Bowl since 1996, while Louisiana Tech has the home-field advantage, with Shreveport only a short 69-mile drive from its campus. Army leads the all-time series between these two teams 2-0, with their last matchup in 2013 ending in a 35-16 victory for the Black Knights.

Army (11-2) is aiming to secure one of its best seasons ever. With 12 wins on the line, the Black Knights are motivated to end on a high note. However, they’ll be missing running back Kanye Udoh, who transferred to Arizona State after their recent loss to Navy. The team will need to find someone to step up alongside senior quarterback Bryson Daily.

Head coach Jeff Monken has done a remarkable job leading Army, posting a solid 81-57 record during his tenure. While his name often comes up for other coaching jobs, he remains a strong presence at West Point.

Louisiana Tech (5-7) is making the most of an unexpected chance to play in the Independence Bowl. The Bulldogs weren’t bowl-eligible this year but got the call after Marshall pulled out of the game. For head coach Sonny Cumbie, now in his third season, this game provides valuable extra time to develop his program.

The Bulldogs are coming off a dominant 33-0 win over Kennesaw State and hope to carry that momentum into Saturday. While Louisiana Tech’s rebuilding process has been slow, the team is showing signs of progress after two straight three-win seasons.

Army’s disciplined, run-heavy offense will clash with Louisiana Tech’s eager underdogs. For both teams, this game is about more than just winning. For Army, it’s a chance to make history. For Louisiana Tech, it’s an opportunity to take another step forward.

Texas Tech Red Raiders dominate California Golden Bears at Independence Bowl

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA (December 17, 2023) In a thrilling showdown at the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on Saturday night, the Texas Tech Red Raiders emerged victorious, extending their bowl win streak to an impressive three games with a 34-14 win over the California Golden Bears.

Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton took center stage with an outstanding performance, completing 27 of 43 passes for 256 yards and contributing three pivotal first-half touchdowns. Despite a bumpy start that saw a fumbled opening kickoff leading to an early California touchdown, head coach Joey McGuire rallied his team, displaying determination that defined the Red Raiders' season.

Running back Tahj Brooks played a crucial role, rushing for 98 yards and adding a touchdown, solidifying his reputation as the nation's fourth-leading rusher. The Red Raiders' defense proved instrumental, shutting out the Golden Bears for the final three quarters.

The turning point occurred in the second quarter when Texas Tech, down 14-7, responded with a 93-yard drive culminating in a 27-yard touchdown pass from Morton to Coy Eakin. This marked the beginning of a momentum shift that allowed the Red Raiders to take control of the game.

Cal's freshman quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, displayed resilience despite an injury scare, contributing to the Bears briefly regaining the lead. However, Texas Tech's determined defense prevailed to secure the victory.

Exciting clash in Independence Bowl: Texas Tech faces California in historic showdown

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA (December 16, 2023)  In a thrilling matchup tonight (December 16), the Texas Tech Red Raiders and California Golden Bears will hit the gridiron for the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, marking their second-ever meeting. The lone encounter dates back to the 2004 Holiday Bowl, where Texas Tech secured a 45-31 victory, with current Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie shining as the Offensive MVP.

For Cal, this game marks their inaugural appearance in the Independence Bowl, making it their 25th bowl appearance overall. Meanwhile, Texas Tech, participating in their 41st bowl game, aims to break the streak after two previous Independence Bowl defeats in 1986 and 1998.

Texas Tech boasts a commendable 5-4 record in Big 12 play for the second consecutive season, standing as one of only three Big 12 teams with back-to-back winning conference records. Their November victories over ranked teams, Kansas and UCF, showcase their determination.

Cal, after a challenging stretch against ranked opponents, rallied with three consecutive wins, including an impressive 33-7 triumph over bowl-bound UCLA. The clash promises an exciting showdown between two top rushers, with Texas Tech's Tahj Brooks ranking 4th in the FBS and Cal's Jaydn Ott standing 13th.

Cal's defense enters the game with a flair for big plays, leading the nation in fumbles recovered (14) and ranking second in turnovers gained (25). The Golden Bears have proven themselves on the defensive end, with three touchdowns to their name.

As the fifth Pac-12 team in Independence Bowl history, Cal looks to continue the conference's success, while Texas Tech aims to break the Big 12's previous struggles in the bowl.