Dec. 7, 2008
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Dooley Audio
RUSTON -- Louisiana Tech accepted a bid to the 33rd Independence Bowl Sunday as the Bulldogs will face Northern Illinois at Independence Stadium Dec. 28 at 7 p.m., a game that will be televised nationally on ESPN.
Head coach Derek Dooley's Bulldogs earned the bowl berth after posting a 7-5 mark and finishing tied for second in the Western Athletic Conference -- a league that boasted six bowl eligible teams and five bowl-bound teams.
"Having an opportunity to play in a bowl game in the city that boasts are largest alumni base would provide a tremendous bowl week and game-day experience for both our players and our fans," Dooley said. "This being only the third bowl game since becoming a member of the FBS 20 years ago, I expect all the Louisiana Tech faithful to take part in the festivities to celebrate the continuing momentum of our program."
Northern Illinois (6-6) finished fourth in the West Division of the Mid-American Conference although four of the Huskies six losses came by four points or less to Tennessee (13-9), Minnesota (31-27), Western Michigan (29-26) and Central Michigan (33-30 OT).
The bowl appearance will be LA Tech's first since the 2001 Humanitarian Bowl in Boise, Idaho, and only the third bowl berth since the program joined the Football Bowl Subdivision in 1989.
It will be the fourth time that Louisiana Tech has played in the Independence Bowl, the first two times coming when the program was member of the Football Championship Subdivision.
Tech defeated Louisville 24-14 in the 1977 Independence Bowl and then lost 35-13 to East Carolina in the 1978 Independence Bowl. The Bulldogs tied Maryland 34-34 in the 1990 Independence Bowl.
"We are excited about having Louisiana Tech back in our game for the first time since 1990 and look forward to having Northern Illinois here for the first time," said Keith Bergeron, Independence Bowl Chairman. "This is a unique year, and it has been a long process for the selection committee and the entire Independence Bowl organization.
"We have the chance to showcase two deserving institutions to a national audience on Dec. 28, and we are excited about that opportunity."
Louisiana Tech earned the berth after an impressive season that saw the Bulldogs post wins over SEC foe Mississippi State and bowl-bound Fresno State while also winning four of its final five games.
The Bulldogs, who were just 3-10 two years ago, boast a defense which ranks 11th in the country against the run, an offense which ranks in the top 25 in rushing, and a special teams unit that has scored four touchdowns on the year.
"This is really exciting for our team," said Tech cornerback Weldon Brown, who played twice at Independence Stadium while prepping at Bossier High School. "It will be a homecoming for a lot of us, and I'll get to end my (college) career in front of so many family and friends. Our program has come a long way in the last two years, and I think our players and coaches are very deserving.
"It's a dream come true for me, and I'm so grateful to the Independence Bowl for this opportunity. It's a great chance for our fans to come and watch us one final time."
Tickets are on sale through the Louisiana Tech ticket office by calling 318-257-3631 or 318-257-3632 or logging onto www.latechsports.com. The Tech Ticket Office hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Tech/Northern Illinois Series History
Tech leads series 5-1
LA Tech 42, Northern Illinois 21 in 1989 in Ruston
LA Tech 37, Northern Illinois 3 in 1991 in Dekalb
LA Tech 17, Northern Illinois 16 in 1993 in Ruston
Northern Illinois 27, LA Tech 17 in 1994 in Dekalb
LA Tech 59, Northern Illinois 14 in 1995 in Ruston
LA Tech 40, Northern Illinois 14 in 1996 in Dekalb
Louisiana Tech Bowl History
LA Tech 24, Louisville 14 in 1977 Independence Bowl
East Carolina 35, LA Tech 13 in 1978 Independence Bowl
LA Tech 34, Maryland 34 in 1990 Independence Bowl
Clemson 48, LA Tech 24 in 2001 Humanitarian Bowl
2008 Independence Bowl Info
Matchup: Louisiana Tech (7-5, 5-3 WAC) vs. Northern Illinois (6-6, 5-3 MAC)
Date: Dec. 28, 2008
Time: 7:15 p.m.
Stadium: Independence Stadium
Site: Shreveport, La.
Ticket Information
LA Tech Ticket Office: 318-257-3631 or 318-257-3632
Online: www.latechsports.com
Email: chance@latech.edu
LA Tech Ticket Office Hours: M-F from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
