Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior Writer
It was announced Saturday that Louisiana Tech will replace Marshall as Army’s opponent in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.
The announcement came after Marshall officials informed bowl officials that the Thundering Herd would not be able to participate after a flurry of players entered the transfer portal in the wake of coaching changes. .
“It is unfortunate that Marshall has decided in the coming weeks that he will not be able to compete in the bowl,” Independence Bowl Executive Director Missy Setters said in a statement. “Our goal was to create the best matchup possible for our local fans and college football fans across the country, and I think we accomplished that with two conference champions.” We are very excited to host the University and excited to have found an opponent for Army. ”
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Sunbelt Commissioner Keith Gill also issued a statement apologizing for the “nature and timing” of the announcement and the “disruption” it caused to the Army and everyone involved’s preparations.
The Thundering Herd, who won the Sun Belt Conference title, were scheduled to play AAC champion Army on Dec. 28 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Marshall coach Charles Huff left for the same post at Southern Miss the day after the Sun Belt title game after failing to reach an agreement with the school on a new contract. Hurd immediately hired North Carolina State defensive coordinator Tony Gibson to replace Huff. The Black Knights lost to Navy 31-13 later that day.
As of Saturday morning, Marshall had 36 players in the transfer portal, including 29 scholarship players and 17 players in the team’s two-deep formation heading into the Sun Belt title game. are. All three Thundering Herd quarterbacks who played this season have entered the portal, including starter Braylon Braxton, the Sun Belt’s Rookie of the Year.
Defensive end Mike Green, the Sun Belt Player of the Year, declared for the NFL Draft on Friday. Many of Marshall’s staff are also retiring, with some joining Hough at Southern Miss.
This is Louisiana Tech’s first bowl since 2020 (5-7). The Bulldogs have won two of their past three games but haven’t played since a 33-0 win over Kennesaw State on Nov. 30.
“We are thrilled to accept the opportunity for Army to compete in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl against a great and storied program,” Louisiana Tech athletic director Ryan Ivey said in a statement. . “I believe our football program is moving toward a positive structure, and the opportunity to play in this bowl will further build that momentum. We look forward to traveling to Shreveport for this matchup.” Masu.”
ESPN’s Max Olson, Chris Lowe and Pete Thamel and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
