On Saturday, December 28th, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs face the Army Black Knights in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. This is the last of eight games on the schedule for the day, and this really should be a fun one. With that in mind, keep reading for odds, analysis and predictions for this showdown. But make sure you also check out our College Football Bowl Games Hub for all of our VSiN college football betting content.
Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs. Army Black Knights
How To Watch Louisiana Tech vs. Army
Where: Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana
When: 9:15 pm ET on Saturday, December 28th
Channel: ESPN
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Louisiana Tech vs. Army Odds
Moneyline: Army -750, Louisiana Tech +525
Spread: Army -16.5 (-115), Louisiana Tech +16.5 (-105)
Total: Over 44 (-110), Under 44 (-110)
Odds from DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publish. They can change. And shop around for the best prices!
Louisiana Tech vs. Army Prediction
Louisiana Tech has some key absences in this game. Starting defensive linemen David Blay and J’Dan Burnett are out, as both players are transferring. The team also has linebacker Kolbe Fields injured, meaning three important defensive players out. And they’re players that definitely would have helped against an option offense. Also, the Bulldogs are missing starting guard Bert Hale on offense. Meanwhile, the only player Army will be without is Kanye Udoh, as the running back is making the completely normal move from West Point to Tempe.
As previously mentioned, some of the Louisiana Tech transfers and injuries will hurt here. Army is 22nd in the nation in EPA per play (0.066), and this offense should be able to consistently pick up chunks of yardage against a Louisiana Tech team that is 92nd in EPA per play allowed (0.038) and 104th in Rush EPA per play allowed (0.054). The elite Army rushing game against a miserable Louisiana Tech rushing defense is genuinely one of the biggest mismatches of bowl season. The Black Knights could put up some stupid rushing numbers here.
Army is also 70th in the nation in EPA per play allowed (0.004). That might not seem like much, but Louisiana Tech is just 124th in EPA per play (-0.099).
If this game wasn’t being played in Louisiana, Army would probably be laying three touchdowns. However, I can’t imagine there being some massive turnout for a Bulldogs team that went 5-7 during the season and really shouldn’t even be in a bowl game. That said, I think it’s a gift that Army is laying anything less than 20.5 or 21.
Louisiana Tech is also 0-3 against the spread versus American Athletic Conference opponents under Sonny Cumbie. And under Jeff Monken, Army is 13-6-1 ATS when facing teams that allow at least 310.0 yards per game.
This is one of my favorite plays of the entire college football season, and I really never like laying this many points. So, let’s hope Army can respond from a lackluster Army-Navy performance to close out a great season in style.
Pick: Army -16.5 (-110 – 2 units)
