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Dating back to 1976, where in-state McNeese State knocked off Tulsa, the Independence Bowl has been an annual tradition in Shreveport, Louisiana. Was named the Independence Bowl to celebrate the bicentennial 200 year anniversary of our country. This year, the Independence Bowl features the in-state Louisiana Ragin’ Cajun taking on the Houston Cougars.
When: Friday, December 23rd @ 11:30 AM ET
Where: Shreveport, Louisiana
Who: Louisiana vs. Houston
Spread & Total: Houston -7; O/U 56.5
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Tale of the Tape: Louisiana Ragin’ Cajun
Louisiana had a daunting schedule, going 3-5 against bowl eligible teams in 2022. The offense was led – at points – by one of Ben Woolridge or Chandler Fields. Neither wowed the country, but were strong enough together to get Louisiana to a bowl game.
The story with Louisiana is their defense. They’ve allowed just 15 passing touchdowns this year through the air (24th nationally), and their 20.5 PPG allowed in conference play ranked 4th in the Sun Belt. Their 15 interceptions ranks top-ten nationally. Unfortunately for Louisiana, they are without starting quarterback Woolridge, along with backup running back Terrence Williams (injury) and lead receiver Michael Jefferson (opt-out). Defensive lineman Andre Jones, who is second on the team with six and a half sacks, is also opting out of the bowl game.
Transfer Portal Departures:
WR Dontae Fleming (19 receptions, 181 yards, three touchdowns)
Players to Know: DL Zi’Yon Hill-Green
Named to All First Team-Sun Belt. Recorded 42 tackles, including seven sacks. Forced and recovered one fumble
S Bralen Trahan
Named to All First Team-Sun Belt. Second on the team with 72 tackles. Three pass breakups and four interceptions. Forced and recovered a fumble
Tale of the Tape: Houston Cougars
Since Dana Holgorsen came to Houston in 2019, he’s done things his own way. While that may have result in the departure of stud quarterback D’Eriq King, Holgorsen developed a strong nucleus. That nucleus now consists of upper classmen in senior quarterback Clayton Tune and junior receiver Nathaniel Dell, who declared for the NFL Draft but is expected to play in the Independence Bowl. This offense runs through the air; 473 pass attempts ranks tied for 18th most in the country compared to 120th in rush attempts.
With that, Houston’s defense is definitely a liability, especially via the passing game. They are bottom-six in passing yards allowed, and only Northern Illinois surrendered more passing touchdowns than the Cougars.
Transfer Portal Departures:
IOL Carson Walker
IOL Joshua Atkins
Player to Know: QB Clayton Tune
Named to All First Team-American Athletic Conference. Ranks 7th nationally in passing yards (3,845) and tied for the most passing touchdowns with 37
WR Nathaniel Dell
Named to All First Team-American Athletic Conference. Third nationally in receptions (103) and receiving yards (1,354). 15 receiving touchdowns was tied for most nationally. Accounts for
Bowl Game Trends:
- Houston’s head coach Dana Holgorsen: 3-6 in bowl games (1-1 at Houston)
- Houston: 1-7 ATS as favorite (5-3 SU)
- Louisiana: 7-2 in bowl games (5-1 in bowl games played in Louisiana)
- FBS teams from Louisiana are 5-1-1 in the Independence Bowl
Game Synopsis:
The last two years, Houston ranked 15th (35.9 PPG) and 53rd (30.0 PPG) in scoring. Yet, they managed just 17 and 14 points in their bowl games, respectively. Teams have been able to hold Houston in check, and Louisiana has allowed just 15 passing touchdowns on the season to their 15 interceptions. Louisiana’s opt outs hurt the Ragin’ Cajun, and they already limped into the postseason losing three of five. I think Houston wins this one running away.
Bowl Mania Pick To Win: Houston
Bowl Mania Confidence: 32/43
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