2008 Independence Bowl
The Independence Bowl can trace its roots back to 1975 when the board of directors of the Shreveport-Bossier City Sports Foundation conceived the idea of bringing a postseason football game to northwest Louisiana. Applying to the National Collegiate Athletic Association for certification, the group’s efforts were rewarded with the approval of a December 13, 1976 game.
In the 2007 Independence Bowl Alabama raced out to a 20-0 lead after one quarter of play, and led 27-0 early in the second period, but was outscored by Colorado 24-3 the rest of the game. Alabama still managed to hold on for the victory. With its victory over Colorado, Alabama set an NCAA record for bowl game appearances (55) and wins (31).
The 2008 NCAA Bowl Matchup for the Independence Bowl features the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (7-5) vs. Northern Illinois Huskies (6-6). An unexpected invitee to the postseason, Northern Illinois will be playing in its third bowl game in five years. At 6-6, the Huskies were a longshot at landing a coveted bowl game, but bucked the odds thanks to some connections and hard work from some experienced personnel in the athletic department. A win over Nevada in the regular season finale probably would have sent the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs out west for a WAC-affiliated bowl trip. As it turns out, though, they’re right in their own back yard.
Dec. 28
WAC vs. MAC
Shreveport, La.
Independence Stadium
ESPN 8:00 p.m.
Louisiana Tech vs. Northern Illinois
http://www.independencebowl.org/
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