The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will not be going to a bowl game this year, despite finishing 9-3, according to Patrick Walsh, the school's associate media relations director. Tech turned down an invitation to the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La., as they reportedly did not want to play against in-state rival ULM Warhawks.
Louisiana Tech turns down Independence Bowl, reportedly over ULM rivalry
Louisiana Tech won’t be going to a bowl after turning down a bid to the Independence Bowl due to not wanting to play in-state rival ULM.
Peter Casey-US PRESSWIRE
However, LaTech’s athletic director, Bruce Van De Velde, spoke with CBS’ Bruce Feldman Sunday night and ssid the ULM rivalry had nothing to do with the decision -- “LT wanted to vet Liberty & Heart/Dallas ops & Indep. Bowl wouldn’t wait.”
The Bulldogs finished the season ranked second in the nation in total offense, racking up almost 578 yards per game. Their three losses this year all came against ranked opponents, including a 59-57 loss at home to Texas A&M.
ULM will be playing in its first bowl game in program history. Head coach Todd Berry spoke to the media after being contacted by the Independence Bowl, and made a point to say that they did not care who they played against in their bowl:
“I think it’s really not about who you play, and we’ve really preached that all the time around this program,” Berry said. “We don’t care what the helmet looks like. We just know someone is going to put a ball down on Dec. 28, and we’re going to show up.“The Independence Bowl is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Friday, Dec. 28.
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