Army West Point Athletics
Football to Now Face Louisiana Tech, Replacing Marshall in Independence Bowl
December 16, 2024 | Football
SHREVEPORT, La. – 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 game, set to face off against the No. 19 (AP) Army West Point Black Knights on Saturday, December 28 at 9:15 p.m. EST on ESPN.
Army is 2-0 all-time vs. Louisiana Tech, defeating them, in 2008 and in 2013, a game played at the Cotton Bowl.
With a win, Army would secure its 12th victory of the season which would be the most-ever by an Army team in program history.
This will mark the Army's 11th all-time Bowl appearance. Army is 7-3 in previous games, which includes a 4-1 record in the Jeff Monken era, the last bowl game coming in 2021, an Armed Forces Bowl victory over SEC Missouri.
"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."