One thing is certain about the 2024 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl: these two teams will care.
The Army will always put forth its best effort. Increase that by 50 for the American Athletic Conference champion who lost to Navy. Win, and it will be Army football’s first 12-win season in 131 years. After missing a bowl game the previous two years, this is also an opportunity to make it six bowl wins in seven tries since 2010.
Louisiana Tech will undoubtedly bring the fire, as its season is over. The 5-7 Bulldogs got a break when the Marshall football program canceled its season after almost the entire team left.
They won two of their last three games, including a win over WKU, and are now playing in a bowl game for the first time since 2020. The program won six consecutive games before losing to Georgia Southern in New Orleans in 2020.
Army vs Louisiana Tech: How to Watch the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, Game Preview
Date: Saturday, December 28, 2024
Game Time: 9:15 pm ET
How To Watch: ESPN
Venue: Independence Stadium, Shreveport, LA
Teams: Army (11-2), Louisiana Tech (5-7)
Why Louisiana Tech Will Win
Louisiana Tech led Conference USA’s run defense.
That is partly because teams threw so much at this group, but the run defense only allowed more than 200 yards once, fewer than 100 yards five times, and generates enough pressure to stay in the Army backfield.
As long as run D is satisfactory, everything else may work. Louisiana Tech is one of the few teams that can dominate time of possession battles. The goal is to keep the chains moving while keeping the Army O off the field.
Why Army Will Win
Louisiana Tech has a small number of significant opt-outs.
The defensive line loses J’Dan Burnett on the outside and key tackle David Blay on the inside. Overall, the Bulldogs appear to be missing approximately six starters.
And, while the run defense was strong throughout the season, the team went 4-0 when allowing fewer than 65 rushing yards and 1-7 when giving up more.
Army should gain 65 rushing yards on its first drive.
In addition, Louisiana Tech has a terrible fumbling problem, with 14 turnovers this season and 21 overall. Army has the second fewest turnovers in the nation.
Army vs Louisiana Tech: Who Will Win?
Louisiana Tech is better than the record, but it is about to face an Army buzzsaw.
The Knights will come out sharp and steady, with the running game rumbling for at least 300 yards and controlling the clock for more than 35 minutes.
The Louisiana Tech offense will be adequate, and it will score a few points through the passing game, but Army will always be in control.
Army vs Louisiana Tech Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Prediction, Betting Lines
Prediction: Army 31, Louisiana Tech 14
Line: Army -14, o/u: 44.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3.5
Must See Rating: 2
– Radiance Technologies Independence Expert Picks and Predictions COMING
