Program - 2024 Independence Bowl

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Welcome from the Chair

Dear 2024 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Fans,

On behalf of our title sponsor, Radiance Technologies, the Independence Bowl Foundation executive committee, board of directors, staff and the over 350 foundation members, I am honored to welcome you to Shreveport, Louisiana for the 48th Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.

The Independence Bowl has a strong tradition and legacy as the 11th most-historic bowl game in the college football. Our bowl has been played since 1976 and was named after the nation’s bicentennial. Throughout that history, we have hosted some of the top programs, coaches, and outstanding players in the history of college football. That list includes 26 College Football Hall of Famers, six Pro Football Hall of Famers, seven National Championship-winning head coaches and 73 NFL First Round draft picks. The Shreveport-Bossier City Community is proud of this tradition, and we are proud to show Louisiana Tech and Army West Point what out community is all about.

If you traveled in for the game, we are excited that you have chosen to visit Northwest Louisiana. We are proud to have the opportunity to host and hope your experience is beyond expectations. We have a great reputation for food, hospitality, entertainment, and most of all, exciting football. We hope that you enjoy everything our region has to offer, including all of our bowl week events and many local attractions. To our tremendous local fans, we thank you for you continued support of the Bowl. We could not do this every year without you.

Thank you for attending the 2024 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. We hope you have a great experience, and we welcome you to visit Shreveport again in the future. Enjoy the game!

Sincerely,

Claire Rebouche

Claire Rebouche

2024 Chair

Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl

CLAIRE REBOUCHE 2024 Bowl Chair

MAYOR TOM ARCENEAUX Shreveport

THE PARISH OF CADDO IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE

4 8 T H

I NDEPENDENCEBOW L

The Parish of Caddo is excited to sponsor another historic matchup at Independence Stadium! We welcome you to Caddo Parish, and invite you stay for a while!

Whether it’s our fabulous food, exciting community festivals, letting the “good times roll” at our Mardi Gras parades, or exploring our “Sportsman’s Paradise”, you’re sure to have an amazing time!

ERICA R. BRYANT

JOHN-PAUL YOUNG

Parish Administrator/CEO Caddo Commission President

You k now what you miss . B ut do you k now what you’re missing?

Matchup Breakdown

This is the 48th edition of college football’s 11th most-historic bowl game – the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl. Louisiana Tech is playing in its sixth Independence Bowl – most of any team in Independence Bowl history. Army West Point is playing in its second Independence Bowl – first since 1996. The No. 19/22 (AP/CFP) Black Knights are just the seventh ranked team to play in the Independence Bowl and the first conference champions to play in the game since McNeese State in 1980. This is the third meeting between LA Tech and Army (2013 and 2008), with Army taking the victory in both previous meetings.

Established in 1976, the Independence Bowl received its name because of the nation’s bicentennial celebration. Throughout the game’s first 47 years, 73 First Round NFL Draft picks, six Pro Football Hall of Famers and 26 College Football Hall of Famers – including 2024 inductee Frank Solich – have participated in the Independence Bowl. Today, a new generation of talent will be on display at Independence Stadium.

Louisiana Tech (5-7, 4-4 CUSA) put itself in this position by winning two of its last three games, a 12-7 upset victory at WKU and a 33-0 shutout win against Kennesaw State in the regular season finale. The Bulldogs are bowling for the first time since 2020 and are returning to Independence Stadium where they blanked Miami, 14-0, in the 2019 Independence Bowl. That was the first shutout in Independence Bowl history.

LA Tech’s offense is led by All-CUSA Freshman quarterback Evan Bullock. After starting the season third on the depth chart, the redshirt freshman became the clear-cut number one after taking over the starting role four games into the season. Bullock completed 184-of-273 passes for 1,932 yards with 14 touchdowns and just two interceptions.

Eight different Bulldogs wide receivers caught a pass this season with two recording 35-or-more receptions. Tru Edwards leads the team with 77 receptions, which ranks first in the CUSA, as he is on the only player with 70-or-more receptions. The redshirt senior leads the team in all receiving categories including receptions, yards (897), and touchdowns (six), on his way to earning First Team All-CUSA honors. Jimmy Holiday was second amongst the group with 37 receptions for 461 yards and two touchdowns. Holiday also logged 181 yards and four scores on the ground. Tight end Eli Finley earned All-CUSA Honorable Mention honors after finishing third on the team with 23 receptions, 279 yards and two scores.

Omiri Wiggins and Amani Givens, two junior college transfers, became the primary running backs for the Bulldogs. Wiggins saw action in all 12 games while making eight starts, including seven of the final eight games. He led the team with 487 rushing yards and four scores on 103 attempts, while catching 20 passes for two touchdowns. Givens carried the ball 72 times for 317 yards and two scores, while Crosby registered 214 yards, and one scores.

LA Tech had the second-best scoring defense in CUSA (20.5 points per game) and the best defense in the conference in yardage allowed (301.9). The Bulldogs will be without First Team All-CUSA defensive tackle David Blay, who entered the portal. They will have both of their starting ends in Mykol Clark and Jessie Evans.

The linebacking duo of Zach Zimos and Kolbe Fields, along with CJ Harris and reserve backer Sifa Leota, provided consistency. Zimos finished with the team-lead in tackles with 74. The Bulldogs will be without Fields, who earned All-CUSA Second Team honors after injuring his foot versus Arkansas.

The defensive back group will be a full go, returning starters at all five spots. Demarcus Griffin-Taylor started in all 12 games at corner, while Cedric Woods started in 11 games opposite of him. Isaiah Mcelvane started in 12 games at one safety spot, while Blake Thompson (nine starts) and Roderick Robertson (three starts) filled in at the second spot.

LA Tech will be down its field goal kicker and kickoff specialist Buck Buchanan who announced his intentions to transfer after the regular season. Redshirt freshman Drew Henderson will handle field goal and PAT duties, while freshman John Hoyet Chance will serve as the kickoff specialist. Patrick Rea punted the ball 64 times for 2,511 yards for an average of 39.23 yards per kick. The Australian had 22 punts land inside the 20-yard line and 22 punts that were fair caught, ranking second in CUSA in both categories.

For more information on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, visit pages 28-52.

OMIRI WIGGINS

JESSIE EVANS

Matchup Breakdown

Army West Point (11-2, 9-0 AAC) won the American Athletic Conference Championship, going 9-0 in conference play in its first season as a member of the conference, taking down Tulane, 35-14 on December 6. Head Coach Jeff Monken’s unit won its conference match-ups by an average score of 35.5 to 13.38. They are ranked No. 22 in the final College Football Playoff rankings.

The conference championship was Army’s first conference title in the program’s 134-year history, as the program has been Independent for most of that time. The conference title victory gave Army its 11th victory of the season, only Army’s second 11-win season in school history, the other coming in 2018, also under Monken. Monken, in his 11th season leading the Black Knights holds an 81-57 overall record at West Point. He was tabbed the AAC Coach of the Year and Daily was selected as the AAC Offensive Player of the Year. Army has maintained a spot in the AP Top 25 for nine consecutive weeks, the longest stretch since being ranked each week of the 1958 season. In the final AP Poll before the College Football Playoffs, Army climbed five spots to No. 19 following its conference title win.

Army is led by senior quarterback Bryson Daily who has had a record-breaking season. He has set the Army single-season record for touchdowns responsible for in a season, rushing touchdowns in a season, and rushing touchdowns in a single game, as well as the record for most rushing touchdowns in AAC single-season history. His 29 rushing touchdowns and 1,532 rushing yards and counting were good enough to finish sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting, the highest by an Army player since when Pete Dawkins won the award in 1958. Daily’s 29 rushing touchdowns are tied for the most in the country with Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty.

The Black Knights’ offensive line has been a key cog this season. Army has started the same five offensive linemen in every game this season in LT Connor Finucane, LG Bill Katsigiannis, C Brady Small, RG Paolo Gennarelli and RT Lucas Scott. The unit has set the bar and standard in a historic season leading the nation in rushing yards, averaging 298.9 yards per game. The unit was rewarded the prestigious Joe Moore Award, given annually to the best offensive line unit in the entire country. The entire starting five was named to either the first-team or second-team All-AAC team.

Army’s defense is led by their linebacking unit, as juniors Andon Thomas and Kalib Fortner have started in every game and are first and second respectively on the team in tackles. Fortner has logged 8.5 tackles for loss and one sack on the season. Thomas, 95.0 tackles, is just five away from reaching 100 on the season and would be only Army’s third player to hit 100 tackles in a season since 2019. Sophomore Elo Modozie has been Army’s best pass usher, leading the team with 6.5 sacks, the most since Andre Carter’s breakout season in 2021. Modozie has 30.0 tackles and seven for loss on the season.

In the secondary, Army’s safety play has been outstanding with senior captain Max DiDomenico and junior Casey Larkin. Larkin has four interceptions, which leads the team and DiDomenico has two. DiDomenico, a first-team All-AAC selection is third on the team with 58.0 tackles. Army has relied on two sophomores as the starters at corner this season in Donavon Platt and Jaydan Mayes. Both have performed steadily, combining for five interceptions.

Senior K Trey Gronotte stepped into the starting role in 2024 with little kicking experience. Gronotte has succeeded in converting 10-11 on field goals and has been a perfect 51-51 on PATs, which is the most in the AAC. James Wagenseller has punted 24 times for 1000 yards (41.67 avg.) with nine pinned inside the 20-yard line.

There are a lot of parallels between this year’s Army team and the 1996 Army team that also played in the Independence Bowl. The Black Knights started 9-0 for the first time since 1996 this season. This season also marked the fourth time in the last 30 years that Army appeared in the national ranking polls (2024, 2020, 2018 and 1996).

For more information on the Army West Point Black Knights, visit pages 53-76.

The 2024 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl figures to be another exciting matchup! From the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl staff and the entire Independence Bowl Foundation membership, thank you for choosing to spend time during the holiday season with us, and we hope you enjoy the game and your stay in Shreveport-Bossier City!

Bryson Daily

Independence Stadium

CLEAR BAG POLICY

Fans are encouraged not to bring any types of bags inside the stadium; however, the following outlines bags that are permitted:

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”;

• One-gallon clear plastic bags (Ziploc bag or similar);

• Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5” x 6.5” (approximately the size of a hand).

• An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose.

• An approved logo no larger than 4.5” x 3.4” may be displayed on one side of a permissible clear bag.

Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag; briefcases; backpacks, cinch bags, and fanny packs that are not clear and/or exceed the size restriction; luggage of any kind; computer bags/cases; camera bags/cases; binocular bags/cases or any bag larger than the permissible size.

For the full policy, please visit IndependenceBowl.org/stadium-rules/.

FIRST AID

Independence Stadium will have Shreveport Fire/EMS representatives present throughout the game. To request assistance, see the nearest gate agent or Shreveport Police officer.

ATM’s

ATM’s will be available in the parking/tailgating areas outside of the stadium on the State Fair Grounds. ATM’s will also be located inside the stadium.

LOST PATRONS

Lost patrons should contact the nearest police officer who will escort them to the Security Office, located in the southwest corner of the stadium.

LOST AND FOUND

Lost and Found is located in the southwest corner of the stadium at the Security Office. For further assistance, contact the nearest SPD Officer or usher.

GATES OPEN

On game day, the gates to Independence Stadium will open for fan entry two hours before the game at approximately 6:15 p.m. CST.

RESTROOMS

Men’s and women’s facilities are located throughout the stadium, both on the ground level and along the upper concourse. For your security, attendants will be stationed in the restrooms.

RE-ENTRY POLICY

Fans will not be permitted to leave Independence Stadium and re-enter the stadium grounds.

SMOKING & VAPING

Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited throughout Independence Stadium.

TICKET WILL-CALL

Ticket will-call is located at the ticket window in the northeast corner of Independence Stadium at Gate 4. Picture ID is required.

NCAA PLAYER PASS GATE

The NCAA Player Pass Gate is located on the west (press box) side of Independence Stadium. Picture ID is required.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Items Prohibited From Independence Stadium:

• Firearms

• Knives

• Straight Blades

• Pocket Tools

• Mace

• Tazer/Stun Guns

• Ice Chests or Coolers

• Umbrellas

• Banners or Signs

• Bags that do not meet the criteria of the Clear Bag Policy

• Telephoto lenses longer than 6 inches

• Outside Food or Drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)

CONCESSIONS

INDEPENDENCE STADIUM CLEAR BAG POLICY

Concessions are located throughout the stadium, both on the ground level and along the upper concourse.

• Video Cameras

• E-cigarettes

• Drones

• Smoking and vaping are NOT permitted inside the stadium

Independence Stadium Clear Bag Policy

WE OWN IT

Founded in 1999, Radiance Technologies has become one of the nation’s leading research and development contractors for the Department of Defense. From the start, founders George Clark and John Dennis envisioned a company where customer success is our success, and the driving force that makes this dream a reality is employee-ownership. Twenty-five years later, employee-ownership is still one of our top priorities. Through shared values and a desire to execute the customer’s mission, our employee-owners will continue George and John’s vision well into the future. Our unique culture fosters innovation, commitment, and personal investment in every project we undertake. At Radiance, each employee-owner is empowered to contribute their best, ensuring we deliver cutting-edge solutions at the forefront of defense technology.

Louisiana is part of our team.

Calumet is proud to have more than 600 team members in Northwest Louisiana!

Since 1923, we’ve been moving the ball for the local economy. We believe in safe operations, good jobs and supporting our community.

Together with our Louisiana neighbors, we are running the plays that will keep our state great.

Legacy of the Independence Bowl

In honor of the United States’ 200th birthday and the strong military presence in the Shreveport-Bossier City area, the Sports Foundation’s board of directors felt the name “Independence Bowl” would be a fitting tribute to the men and women who have fought for the United States’ freedom and independence. The Independence Bowl has been a staple in the community for more than five decades, and continues to be the premier annual sporting event in North Louisiana 48 years later.

The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl – the nation’s 11tholdest bowl game – has a rich history that spans more than five decades. On Dec. 13, 1976, McNeese State defeated Tulsa in the inaugural game. The Southland Conference sent a team to Shreveport for the first five years of the Bowl’s existence, but in 1981, the Bowl’s leadership voted to be open on both sides, giving them the opportunity to scour the country for the best teams available in the NCAA Division I-A ranks.

That first year, the Independence Bowl struck gold as the Aggies of Texas A&M traveled to take on the Cowboys of Oklahoma State. This storied rivalry between the Southwest Conference and BigEight Conference drew national attention to the ShreveportBossier City area. The first Southeastern Conference team to make an appearance in the Independence Bowl was the University of Mississippi in 1983. The Air Force Falcons, battled the explosive Rebels in a torrential downpour to carry home a 9–3 victory.

In 1990, Louisiana Tech tied Maryland 34-34 in the first Poulan/Weed Eater Independence Bowl and the only tie in I-Bowl history. A record-breaking crowd of 48,325 filled Independence Stadium. In 1995 the Poulan/Weed Eater Independence Bowl took another giant step in its continuing climb up the ladder of postseason games, signing a three-year agreement with the SEC for the fifth selection out of one of the nation’s premier football conferences. Later that year the bowl enjoyed a sellout crowd with instate favorite LSU taking on the Nick Saban’s Michigan State squad. The Tigers and Spartans put on one of the most memorable sequences in Independence Bowl history, as each team returned a kickoff for a touchdown on back-to-back plays. LSU’s Eddie Kennison notched an 92yard return TD, while Sparty’s Derrick Mason set the Independence Bowl record with a 100-yard return. LSU ultimately prevailed 45-26.

The 1997 game was a regular season rematch between the Tigers of LSU and Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, played on a frigid night at Independence Stadium. LSU avenged a 24-6 loss a month earlier in Baton Rouge by besting the Irish 27–9 in front of an all-time record crowd of 50,459. Poulan/Weed Eater announced in April of 1997 that it would no longer be the game’s title sponsor. At that time Glen Krupica, Independence Bowl Executive Director, and a search committee, began the task of finding the second title sponsor of the Independence Bowl. In just under a year Sanford stepped up as the new title sponsor, signing on for three years.

Bob Stoop’s Oklahoma Sooners and David Cutcliffe’s Ole Miss Rebels met on New Year’s Eve in 1999 for the 24th Independence Bowl. Ole Miss made its fourth appearance in the game while the Sooners made their debut. Led by quarterback, now prominent head coach, Josh Heupel, Oklahoma got out to an early lead and appeared to be dominating the Rebels. Ole Miss fought back and won the battle 27-25 on a field goal in the final seconds. It was the last football game of 1999 and the first game of the new millennium in the eastern time zone, as it ended at 12:03 a.m.

The 2000 matchup has become known as the “Snow Bowl.” R.C. Slocum’s Texas A&M Aggies and Jackie Sherrill’s Mississippi State Bulldogs met in the 25th anniversary game in a driving snowstorm that began during pregame warmups and continued throughout the entire game. Mississippi State won in overtime by a score of 43–41. The 2000 Independence Bowl garnered a 4.2 television rating, the second highest in I-Bowl history.

HISTORIC MILESTONES

BIRTH OF A BOWL (1976)

The Sports Foundation gained certification for the Independence Bowl from the NCAA on its first try. The Southland Conference champion served as the host team. The first game featuring McNeese State and Tulsa had a budget of $75,000 and paid each participating team $25,000, drawing 19,164 fans.

PURSUIT (1981)

The I-Bowl pursued and achieved openended status on both sides ending the affiliation with the Southland. Texas A&M from the Southwest Conference defeated Jimmy Johnson and Oklahoma St. from the Big Eight, 33-16.

FIRST TITLE SPONSOR (1990)

Poulan/Weed Eater signed on as the game’s first title sponsor in 1990.

ESPN (1992)

The 1992 matchup between Wake Forest and Oregon marked the first Independence Bowl to be shown on ESPN.

SEC TIE-IN (1995)

The Poulan/Weed Eater Independence Bowl reached an agreement with the SEC to secure the fifth choice from the prestigious conference.

BIGGEST MATCHUP (1997)

The Bowl had its best-case scenario as local favorite LSU was selected to play Notre Dame, drawing the game’s largest crowd.

NEXT TITLE SPONSOR (1998)

Sanford, based in Bellwood, Ill., became the Independence Bowl’s second title sponsor, signing a three-year deal.

BIG 12 TIE-IN (1999)

I-Bowl officials reached a three-year agreement with the Big 12 to provide a team to the post-season game.

SEC RENEWAL (1999)

The partnership with the SEC was extended through 2001.

MAINSTAY (2001)

In January 2001, MainStay signed on as the newest title sponsor – signing an agreement through 2003.

MCneese State (1976)

Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma State (1981)

Eddie Kennison (Lsu, 1995)

Notre Dame vs. LSU (1997)

Snow Bowl (2000)

Legacy of the Independence Bowl

HISTORIC MILESTONES

CONFERENCE AGREEMENTS (2005)

Agreements with both the Big 12 and SEC were renewed through 2009.

ACC VS. MWC (2010)

In 2010, the I-Bowl announced a new match up of teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and Mountain West Conference. Those partnerships ran through 2011.

SEC VS. ACC (2012)

In 2012, the Bowl announced it resumed its partnership with the SEC. In 2013, the Foundation signed extensions with both conferences through 2019.

WALK-ON’S BISTREAUX & BAR (2017)

In October of 2017, the I-Bowl announced Baton Rouge-based Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar as the title sponsor of the game in a threeyear partnership. The partnership brought together two Louisiana-based brands, with Walk-On’s set to expand across the Southeastern U.S., and ran through 2019.

RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES (2020)

The Bowl announced a five-year partnership with prime contractor Radiance Technologies in 2020 and then agreed to a one-year extension in 2021 – extending the partnership through 2025. The partnership bridged together Radiance, who work extensively with the U.S. Military, with the Bowl that was named after the nation’s bicentennial and that features Army West Point in the current cycle.

UNIQUE BOWL TIE-INS (2020)

The new agreements announced in 2020 bring a rotation of independents Army West Point and BYU to face off against a rotation of the Pac-12, AAC and C-USA.

ESPN THROUGH 2025 (2020)

In October 2020, the Bowl announced a six-year extension with ESPN to televise the game through 2025. The 2022 game is the 30th-consecutive Independence Bowl on an ESPN network.

RETURN OF THE BIG 12 (2023)

The Bowl announced in May 2023 the return of the Big 12 Conference as a primary tie-in for the bowl for the first time since 2009. With BYU moving to the Big 12, the conference became the primary tie-in for the 2023 and 2025 Bowl Seasons.

AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE TIE-IN (2024)

With Army West Point joining The American in 2024, the I-Bowl and AAC agreed to a primary tie-in – replacing the primary tie-in with Army.

In 2002, Shreveport hosted one of college football’s most storied programs, as the Nebraska Cornhuskers came to town for a matchup with Eli Manning and the Ole Miss Rebels. As had been the case the past few years, the Independence Bowl was a close one, as the Rebels came back from a 17-14 halftime deficit to beat the Huskers 27-23. It marked Ole Miss David Cutcliffe’s third I-Bowl win in as many appearances.

The year 2005 marked the 30th anniversary of the Independence Bowl, and the match-up between Missouri and South Carolina provided the 41,332 in attendance with a showdown for the ages. South Carolina, making its debut in the Independence Bowl and led by legendary head coach Steve Spurrier, raced out to a 21-0 lead after one quarter of play before Missouri rallied for an eventual 38-31 victory. The Tigers, which had lost the 2003 game to Arkansas, evened their all-time record in the I-Bowl to 1-1. Quarterback Brad Smith was named the game’s Offensive MVP after setting an Independence Bowl record with 432 total yards and scoring four touchdowns.

The 2009 game will go down in I-Bowl history as one of the most memorable games for many reasons. The marquee matchup between the Texas A&M Aggies and Georgia Bulldogs helped AdvoCare put an exclamation point on its first year as the bowl’s title sponsor, and a sellout crowd enjoyed a beautiful day at Independence Stadium between two traditional college football programs. The Bulldogs ran away from the Aggies in the second half, expanding a 14-7 halftime lead into a 44-20 final margin in front of 49,653 fans. Georgia’s Brandon Boykin returned a kickoff 81 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter, and the Bulldogs rushed for 208 yards en route to the convincing victory. The game was the highest-rated bowl game ever to be played on ESPN2 at the time.

In 2014, the Independence Bowl hosted its first ACC vs. SEC match up, as Miami took on South Carolina. Behind a strong showing from do-it-all receiver Pharoh Cooper, the Gamecocks held on for a 24-21 victory in Steve Spurrier’s final bowl game.

2015 was the 40th anniversary of the I-Bowl and one of the most memorable. Legendary Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer concluded his decorated coaching career with a 55-52 win over Tulsa in the very same bowl he won his first bowl game in 23 years prior (1993). The teams obliterated the Independence Bowl record book – combining for the most points (107), touchdowns (14), rushing touchdowns (9), yards (1,161), most points scored in a quarter (145), and they even combined for the most points all-time in a half (76) across all bowl games.

Three years after Virginia Tech and Tulsa rewrote the I-Bowl record book, the Duke Blue Devils did it again a 56-27 victory over the Temple Owls in the 43rd Independence Bowl in 2018. The victory was an I-Bowl record fourth for Duke head coach David Cutcliffe, who improved to 4-0 in his appearances with Ole Miss and Duke. Despite Temple’s 27-21 halftime lead, Duke stormed back with an I-Bowl record 35 second half points to set the record for most points in an Independence Bowl (56). 6th-overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft Daniel Jones set I-Bowl records for passing yards (423), passing touchdowns (5) and total touchdowns (6), while wide receiver T.J. Rahming set the record for receiving yards (240) and broke Kevin Faulk’s record for all-purpose yards (286).

In a completely different way, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wrote themselves into I-Bowl history in 2019, as they recorded the first ever shutout in the history of the bowl – defeating Miami 14-0.

In 2021, BYU became the highest-ranked team in I-Bowl history – entering the game ranked No. 13 in the College Football Playoff Rankings. UAB surprised the Cougars on a rainy Saturday, defeating BYU 31-28 in a back-and-forth battle.

2022 was the coldest game in Independence Bowl history, staying under 25 degrees the whole game. Louisiana became the final in-state FBS program to play in the Independence Bowl but fell to Houston, 23-16, on a touchdown with 20 seconds left in the game.

Last year, in 2023, California scored the quickest touchdown in Independence Bowl history – scoring 15 seconds into the game on their first offensive play of the game. Texas Tech bounced back – scoring 27 unanswered points in the final three quarters to win their first Independence Bowl in three tries.

Eli Manning (Ole Miss, 2002)

A.J. Green (UGA, 2009)

Daniel JOnes (Duke, 2018)

Teamwork is at the heart of our sports medicine approach. Just as our team of sports medicine team cares for young athletes at 16 high schools, we proudly champion the safety and well-being of athletes at the Independence Bowl.  With healthcare and rehabilitation services throughout the community, we’re here to do a world of good not just for athletes but for the fans in the stands.

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SCAN TO LEARN MORE

Omar N. Bradley Spirit of Independence Award

AWARD RECIPIENTS

1977

1980

1981

1982

1983

1984 U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Demonstration Squadron

1985 Vietnam Veterans

1986 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

1987 Brigadier General Charles E. Yeager

1988 Coach Eddie Robinson

1989 Harlem Globetrotters

1990 Boy Scouts of America

1991 Barksdale Air Force Base

1992 Shriner’s Hospital for Children

1993 Sandra Day O’Connor 1994 YMCA

1995 American Red Cross 1996 Veterans of Foreign Wars

1997 Fallen Law Enforcement Officers

1998 Firefighters of America

1999 World War II Veterans

2000 General Gabriel P. Disosway

2001 Heroes of New York City

2002 Congressional Medal of Honor Society

2003 Hal Sutton

2004 General Tommy Franks

2005 General Russel Honore

2006 General Harold Moore

2007 Shreveport-Bossier Community Renewal

2008 “Team Hoyt”

2009 National Football Foundation

2010 St. Jude Children’s Hospital

2011 General Charles C. “Hondo” Campbell

2012 Wounded Warrior Project

2013 Doolittle Raiders

2014 Tuskegee Airmen

2015 Berlin Airlift Veterans

2016 Veterans of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir

2017 Jacob Schick, USMC (ret.)

2018 Brigadier General Jeannie M. Leavitt

2019 Lt. Gen. James M. Kowalski, USAF (ret.)

2021 Lt. Gen. Joseph M. Cosumano, USA (ret.)

2022 Veterans of Operation SENIOR SURPRISE

2023 Women Airforce Service Pilots

2024 General Bryan P. Fenton

The Sports Foundation developed the patriotic theme, which is so prominent today in the annual postseason football classic’s activities. Foundation directors decided to recognize an outstanding American citizen or organization each year, with the Spirit of Independence Award. The first recipient was General Omar N. Bradley, the only living five-star general in the United States at that time.

The portrait of the man reveals a combination of honesty, strength and determination in a face also able to yield to a subtle humor when the occasion merited. Bradley and his successors symbolize the “Spirit of Freedom and Independence,” which the award was established to recognize.

The following year, and until his death, General Bradley presented the Spirit of Independence Award to his fellow recipients. After his death, the General’s name was added to the award.

Information about the 2024 recipient of the award, General Bryan P. Fenton, is on page 20.

GENERAL OMAR N. BRADLEY

A 1915 graduate of West Point, Bradley retired from the Army in 1953 with the rank of fivestar general. Bradley was a commandant of the infantry school (Fort Benning, Ga.) and the commander of the 82nd and 28th divisions. As commander of II Corps he played a major role in the victory at Tunisia in 1943. His forces also were involved in the capture of the island of Sicily in August, 1943. Following D-Day, Bradley commanded the 12th Army Group which played a significant role in the defeat of the Germans in Europe. His forces liberated Paris on August 25, 1944. During his career, Bradley earned a reputation as being one of the best infantry commanders in World War II.

Bradley’s post-war duties involved running the Veteran’s Administration (194547), and serving as Army Chief of Staff (1948-1953). Bradley, in his military assignment, replaced General Douglas MacArthur as the supreme allied commander in Korea. He also served as chairman of the board for the Bullova Watch Company. A classmate and friend of General Dwight Eisenhower, Bradley received his fifth general’s star in 1950. His 1915 class at West Point was named the “class the stars fell on,” as 36 percent of the 164 graduates in that year attained the rank of brigadier general or higher.

GENERAL OMAR N. BRADLEY

Omar N. Bradley Spirit of Independence Award

2024 RECIPIENT GENERAL BRYAN P. FENTON

The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl honors one of our nation’s most outstanding and decorated citizens or groups each year with the Omar N. Bradley Spirit of Independence Award, and General Bryan P. Fenton has been named the 47th recipient of the prestigious award. GEN Fenton will be honored at halftime of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on Saturday, December 28.

“I’m extremely grateful, honored and humbled to accept this award on behalf of the 70,000 men and women of U.S. Special Operations Command,” said General Fenton.

General Fenton currently serves as the 13th Commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), located at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. where he oversees all Special Operations for the U.S. Department of Defense with 70,000 Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Special Operations personnel.

An extremely decorated Special Forces (Green Beret) Officer, General Fenton’s awards and recognitions include the French Commando Badge, Cruz de la Victoria Medal from Chile, Princess of Thailand awarded Thai Jumpmaster Wings, University of Notre Dame’s Moose Krause Service Award and Rev. William Corby Award for Distinguished Military Service, and the Business Executives for National Security Eisenhower Award.

“The Omar N. Bradley Spirit of Independence Award was created to honor some of our country’s most outstanding men and women and recognize them for their dedication to helping others and symbolizing freedom, and General Fenton embodies what this award stands for,” said 2024 Independence Bowl Foundation Chair Claire Rebouche. “He has dedicated his life to serving this nation and protecting our freedoms, and we are proud to honor him as the 47th recipient of this prestigious award.”

Before assuming command of USSOCOM, General Fenton was the Commander of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), and prior to that, he was the Senior Military Assistant for two U.S. Secretaries of Defense.

He has held a multitude of general officer assignments in his career, including Deputy Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Commander of U.S. Special Operations – Pacific, and Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii.

Throughout his long military career, General Fenton has deployed numerous times. He participated in Operation Joint Force in Bosnia, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Africa, Operations Iraqi Freedom and Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Operation Pacific Eagle in the Phillipines. He has also served in Areas of Responsibility – including U.S. Southern Command, U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Central Command and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

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Louisiana Tech Season in Review

GAME 1

Louisiana Tech 25, Nicholls 17

Aug. 31 | Joe Aillet Stadium | Ruston, La.

Louisiana Tech opened its 2024 season with a gritty 25-17 win over Nicholls at Joe Aillet Stadium on a rain-soaked Saturday night. Despite losing starting quarterback Jack Turner to injury in the first quarter and committing five turnovers, the Bulldogs (1-0) leaned on a stout defense, led by new coordinator Jeremiah Johnson, holding Nicholls (0-1) to just 200 total yards.

Special teams set the tone early as Patrick Rea’s 70-yard punt pinned Nicholls at the 1-yard line, leading to a safety. Turner rebounded from a pick-six to connect on a 28-yard touchdown pass to Solo Lewis before exiting. Backup Blake Baker entered, throwing a 14yard TD to Marlion Jackson for a 15-7 lead.

The Bulldogs’ defense dominated the second half, forcing six consecutive punts (five 3-and-outs), while the offense added a 24-yard Buck Buchanan field goal and a 6-yard Jimmy Holiday rushing score to extend the lead to 25-10. A late Nicholls touchdown and defensive stand by J’Dan Burnett and Zach Zimos sealed the win. LA Tech totaled 386 yards of offense, with Baker passing for 207 yards. Jackson led with 76 receiving yards, while Marquis Crosby returned with 44 rushing yards on nine carries.

GAME 2

NC State 30, Louisiana Tech 20 Sept. 14 | Carter-Finley Stadium | Raleigh, N.C.

Louisiana Tech fell short of an upset, losing to NC State 30-20 at Carter-Finley Stadium. The Bulldogs (1-1) led 17-6 at halftime, but the Wolfpack (2-1) stormed back in the second half, outscoring LA Tech 24-3.

After a quiet first quarter, LA Tech struck late in the second. Tru Edwards’ 41-yard catch set up a 5-yard Donerio Davenport touchdown run. On the next drive, Edwards delivered again with a 71-yard touchdown reception, showcasing speed and moves reminiscent of his father, Troy Edwards. Kolbe Fields’ interception on NC State backup CJ Bailey led to Buck Buchanan

tying the program record with a 57-yard field goal, giving LA Tech a 17-6 halftime lead.

NC State shifted momentum in the third quarter with a pick-six and a 13-play, 76-yard touchdown drive to take the lead. LA Tech responded as Jay Wilkerson’s 30-yard receptions set up a field goal, tying the game 20-20 entering the fourth. NC State pulled away with a 52-yard field goal and a 1-yard rushing touchdown. LA Tech’s final attempt stalled on a failed fourth-down play. Jack Turner passed for 281 yards, with Edwards tallying a careerhigh 148 yards on four catches, and Wilkerson adding 85 yards.

GAME 3

Tulsa 23, Louisiana Tech 20 (OT)

Sept. 21 | Joe Aillet Stadium | Ruston, La.

Louisiana Tech overcame a fourth-quarter double-digit deficit but fell to Tulsa, 23-20, in overtime on Saturday night at Joe Aillet Stadium. The Bulldogs (1-2) rotated three quarterbacks in search of offensive momentum. Down 17-7 entering the fourth quarter with just 155 total yards, redshirt freshmen Blake Baker and Evan Bullock provided late sparks.

Baker jump-started the offense with three consecutive completions, including a 53-yard strike to Eli Finley and a 19-yarder to Solo Lewis, setting up a 1-yard quarterback sneak for the touchdown. The extra point was missed, trimming the deficit to 17-13.

After the Bulldog defense forced a critical three-and-out, Bullock replaced an injured Baker. A 30-yard punt return by Lewis gave LA Tech prime field position, and Bullock capitalized with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Finley, giving the Bulldogs a 20-17 lead. Tulsa (2-2) responded with a 45-yard field goal to force overtime. In OT, Bullock was sacked and fumbled, leading to Tulsa’s game-winning 34-yard field goal.

The game was defensive-minded, with both teams struggling to sustain drives. LA Tech’s lone firsthalf touchdown came after Cedric Woods’ 49-yard punt return set up Jimmy Holiday’s 1-yard score.

LA Tech quarterbacks combined for 197 yards, with Finley recording 91 receiving yards. Zach Zimos and Blake Thompson combined for 25 tackles.

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GAME 4

Florida International 17, Louisiana Tech 10 Sept. 28 | Pitbull Stadium | Miami, Fla.

Timely penalties proved costly for Louisiana Tech as the Bulldogs fell to FIU, 17-10, in their Conference USA opener at Pitbull Stadium.

LA Tech (1-3, 0-1 CUSA) entered with just 12 penalties through three games but committed eight against FIU (2-3, 1-0 CUSA), many at critical moments. An unsportsmanlike penalty kept a first-quarter FIU drive alive, leading to the Panthers’ opening touchdown.

In the second quarter, Blake Thompson’s pick-six was nullified by a roughing-the-passer call. Later, LA Tech’s best drive stalled at the 1-yard line after four failed attempts, leaving the Bulldogs scoreless.

FIU doubled its lead in the third quarter, aided by another untimely penalty after a sack by Jessie Evans. LA Tech responded with Evan Bullock’s 29-yard pass to Marlion Jackson and Jimmy Holiday’s 7-yard end-around touchdown, cutting the deficit to 14-7.

A 23-yard pass to Eli Finley set up a 34-yard Buck Buchanan field goal, making it 14-10 late in the third. However, a fumble by Jackson halted the momentum, and FIU added a 25-yard field goal to secure the win.

Bullock went 26-of-37 for 218 yards. Tru Edwards had a career-high eight receptions, and Jackson posted 81 receiving yards. Michael Richard anchored the defense with a careerhigh 11 tackles and three sacks.

GAME 5

Louisiana Tech 48, Middle Tennessee 21

Oct.

10 | Joe Aillet Stadium | Ruston, La.

Louisiana Tech dominated Middle Tennessee, 48-21, on a Thursday night at Joe Aillet Stadium, piling up a season-high 551 total yards and scoring touchdowns on its first five drives.

Evan Bullock led the way for LA Tech (2-3, 1-1 CUSA), throwing for five touchdowns and rushing for another. The Bulldogs, who hadn’t scored in the first quarter in three games, exploded for 20 points in the opening stanza and added 14 in both the second and third quarters.

Middle Tennessee (1-5, 0-2 CUSA) struck first with two 75-yard drives, grabbing a 14-7 lead. LA Tech answered quickly as Bullock found Jimmy Holiday for a 15-yard TD, then hit Omiri Wiggins for a 16-yard score to take the lead. After a forced fumble by Isaiah Mcelvane, Bullock tossed two more touchdowns – a 20-yarder to Jay Wilkerson and a 1-yard keeper –for a 34-14 halftime edge.

The momentum continued after halftime when Bullock connected with Tru Edwards for a 75-yard touchdown, LA Tech’s longest play of the season. Marquis Crosby capped the scoring by tossing a 19-yard TD to Solo Lewis.

Bullock finished with 290 passing yards, while Edwards totaled 127 receiving yards. Defensively, Mcelvane forced two turnovers, and Jayden Gray tallied two sacks.

GAME 6

New Mexico State 33, Louisiana Tech 30 (2OT) Oct. 15 | Aggie Memorial Stadium | Las Cruces, N.M.

Louisiana Tech suffered another heartbreaking overtime loss, falling 33-30 to New Mexico State on a Tuesday night at Aggie Memorial Stadium.

Tied 24-24 in regulation, LA Tech (2-4, 1-2 CUSA) drove into the red zone with three seconds left, but Buck Buchanan’s game-winning field goal attempt was blocked, forcing overtime. Buchanan later hit field goals in both overtime periods, but New Mexico State (2-5, 1-3 CUSA) sealed the win with a rushing touchdown.

Offense was scarce early, as the first quarter ended scoreless. The Aggies struck first with a 53-yard touchdown pass, but the Bulldogs answered with a 15-play, 75-yard drive capped by Evan Bullock’s 7-yard TD pass to Tru Edwards. After a defensive stop, Bullock connected with Eli Finley for 24 yards, setting up Omiri Wiggins’ 1-yard touchdown run for a 14-7 halftime lead.

New Mexico State added a field goal before halftime and took the lead in the third quarter with a 7-yard rushing TD. LA Tech regained momentum in the fourth, as Buchanan nailed a 41-yard field goal and Bullock hit Edwards again for a 15-yard score to lead 24-17.

The Aggies tied it late and eventually won in double overtime. Bullock threw for 225 yards and two TDs, both to Edwards, who finished with 102 receiving yards.

Louisiana Tech Season in Review

GAME 7

Louisiana Tech 14, UTEP 10

Oct. 22 | Joe Aillet Stadium | Ruston, La.

Louisiana Tech delivered an 11-play, 97-yard drive late in the fourth quarter to secure a 14-10 win over UTEP on a Tuesday night at Joe Aillet Stadium.

Despite excellent field position all night, LA Tech (3-4, 2-2 CUSA) struggled early. UTEP (1-7, 1-4 CUSA) struck first with a 47-yard touchdown pass on an eight-play, 94-yard drive. The Bulldogs responded late in the second quarter when Evan Bullock connected with Solo Lewis for a 48-yard touchdown, tying the game at 7-7.

The third quarter featured missed opportunities. Colton Deckard blocked a UTEP punt, giving LA Tech the ball eight yards from the end zone, but a false start, sack, and missed field goal left the score tied. UTEP later retook the lead with a 44-yard field goal.

Pinned on their own 3-yard line with 11:55 left, the Bulldogs’ offense came alive. Bullock and Jimmy Holiday connected for three clutch completions, including two third-down conversions. Amani Givens capped the drive with a 1-yard touchdown, giving LA Tech a 14-10 lead.

The defense stood strong, stopping UTEP on two fourth downs. Bullock finished 22-of-30 for 248 yards and a touchdown, while Holiday tallied 93 receiving yards and led the Bulldogs in rushing.

GAME 8

Sam Houston 9, Louisiana Tech 3 Oct. 29 | Elliott T. Bowers Stadium | Huntsville, Texas

Louisiana Tech could not overcome four turnovers and two failed fourth-down attempts, falling 9-3 to Sam Houston on a Tuesday night at Bowers Stadium. The Bulldog defense was stellar, forcing two turnovers, including a Jakari Foster interception in the end zone, and holding the Bearkats to just 268 total yards. Sam Houston, which averaged over 200 rushing yards per game, managed only 105 against LA Tech’s defense.

The Bulldogs (3-5, 2-3 CUSA) opened with a solid 11-play, 68-yard drive but fumbled on 4thand-1 at the 7-yard line. They took a 3-0 lead late in the first quarter on a 24-yard Buck Buchanan field goal but committed two second-quarter turnovers. A safety made it 3-2 at halftime.

Sam Houston (7-2, 4-1 CUSA) scored its lone offensive points on a 40-yard run to cap a 7-play, 75-yard drive early in the second half.

LA Tech had opportunities late but fell short. A fumble inside the 5-yard line ended one fourth-quarter drive, and an incomplete fourth-down pass stopped another at the 3-yard line. Jack Turner, in for Evan Bullock, led a final push but was sacked on fourth down. LA Tech outgained Sam Houston 312-268. Tru Edwards led with 80 receiving yards on eight catches.

GAME 9

Jacksonville State 44, Louisiana Tech 37 (OT) Nov. 9 | Joe Aillet Stadium | Ruston, La.

Louisiana Tech rallied with 23 unanswered points but fell 44-37 in overtime to Jacksonville State at Joe Aillet Stadium.

Jacksonville State (6-3, 5-0 CUSA) opened with a 15-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, showcasing one of the nation’s top rushing attacks. Louisiana Tech (3-6, 2-4 CUSA) went three-and-out on its first possession but quickly responded. After forcing a fumble, the Bulldogs had a chance to score but missed a 54-yard field goal.

Evan Bullock later connected with Tru Edwards for an 86-yard touchdown, pulling Tech within one score late in the first quarter. The second quarter saw explosive offense, with Tech getting touchdowns from Jimmy Holiday on a 2-yard rush and Edwards on a second TD catch, trimming the halftime deficit to 28-21.

The Bulldogs’ defense created key turnovers, including a forced fumble by Blake Thompson and an interception by Jacob Fields. Bullock hit Jay Wilkerson for a third-quarter touchdown, and a safety gave Tech its first lead at 30-28. Mason Crosby’s touchdown extended the lead to nine in the fourth quarter.

Jax State tied it on a last-second touchdown and scored in overtime. Tech failed to convert, ending the game. Bullock threw for 266 yards and three TDs, with Edwards leading all receivers with 142 yards and two scores.

GAME 10

Louisiana Tech 12, Western Kentucky 7

Nov. 16 | Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium | Bowling Green, Ky.

Louisiana Tech leaned on a powerful rushing attack, Buck Buchanan’s clutch kicking, and a dominant defense to secure a 12-7 win over WKU on Saturday at Houchens-Smith Stadium.

The Bulldogs (4-6, 3-4 CUSA) ran for 209 yards on 49 carries, powered by career-high performances from Amani Givens (103 yards) and Omiri Wiggins (70 yards). Buchanan delivered all the scoring, connecting on four field goals, while the defense held WKU (7-3, 5-1 CUSA) to just 215 yards and a single touchdown.

LA Tech opened with a 35-yard field goal after an eight-play, 56-yard drive. WKU briefly took a 7-3 lead in the second quarter on a 7-yard touchdown run, capitalizing on a penalty. But that was their last score.

Buchanan added two more field goals in the first half, including a 28-yarder set up by Wiggins’ 34-yard burst, giving Tech a 9-7 lead at halftime. The defense shined, stopping WKU on a key 4th-and-1 in the red zone and recovering a muffed punt to halt the Hilltoppers’ momentum.

Buchanan’s 24-yarder in the fourth quarter extended the lead. Despite WKU’s late push, a sack by David Blay and a 4th-down stop sealed the Bulldogs’ first road win of the season.

GAME 11

Arkansas 35, Louisiana Tech 14

Nov. 23 | Razorback Stadium | Fayetteville, Ark.

Louisiana Tech couldn’t overcome a scoreless first half, falling 35-14 to Arkansas at Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

The Bulldogs (4-6) struggled offensively early, managing just 43 yards in the first half despite two defensive takeaways. Arkansas (6-5) capitalized on Louisiana Tech’s miscues, with quarterback Taylen Green leading the way with four total touchdowns—two passing and two rushing.

The Razorbacks had a 100-yard kickoff return negated by penalty but found their rhythm later. Louisiana Tech missed a chance to score after Jacob Fields’ interception, faltering with a false start and botched snap inside the red zone before missing a field goal. Arkansas took advantage, scoring on an 11-yard pass and a 41-yard scramble by Green for a 14-0 halftime lead.

The Bulldogs’ struggles continued in the third quarter, failing to convert on 4th-and-1 deep in their own territory. Arkansas punished the mistake with a 27-yard touchdown strike. Louisiana Tech responded as Evan Bullock connected with Eli Finley for a 2-yard score after a muffed punt.

Green added another rushing touchdown before Bullock hit Jimmy Holiday for a 20-yard score late. The Bulldogs finished with 186 second-half yards, led by Bullock’s 190 passing yards and two TDs. Arkansas totaled 454 yards, including 112 rushing from Rashod Dubinion.

GAME 12

Louisiana Tech 33, Kennesaw State 0 Nov. 30 | Joe Aillet Stadium | Ruston, La.

Louisiana Tech shut out Kennesaw State 33-0 at Joe Aillet Stadium, led by Omiri Wiggins’ three rushing touchdowns and a stifling defensive effort.

Wiggins powered LA Tech’s (5-7, 4-4 CUSA) ground attack with 129 yards, while the defense held KSU (2-10, 2-6 CUSA) to just 146 total yards. It marked the Bulldogs’ first shutout since the 2019 Independence Bowl.

Special teams set the tone early when Solo Lewis’ 49-yard punt return positioned the Bulldogs at the KSU 21. Wiggins capped the short drive with a 4-yard touchdown run. He added a second score in the second quarter, breaking through tackles for a 6-yard TD to extend the lead to 14-0.

KSU’s best scoring chance ended with a missed 43-yard field goal, while Buck Buchanan nailed a 55-yarder to give LA Tech a 17-0 halftime advantage. A third-quarter safety, caused by a bad KSU snap, led to Wiggins’ 35-yard touchdown run on the ensuing possession. Amani Givens added a fourth-quarter TD for the final margin.

Evan Bullock threw for 233 yards on 23-of-30 passing, connecting with Jimmy Holiday (103 yards) and Tru Edwards (78 yards). Zach Zimos led the defense with nine tackles, while David Blay’s key sack preserved the shutout.

The Power of Memories

Scouting the Bulldogs

QUARTERBACKS

After starting the season third on the depth chart, redshirt freshman quarterback Evan Bullock became the clear-cut number one after taking over the starting role four games into the season. Bullock made his first start on the road at FIU on September 28 and has started nine straight games for the Bulldogs since. Jack Turner started the first three games of the season but lost his job early in the Tulsa game after being replaced by Blake Baker. Baker led the Bulldogs to overtime, but suffered a shoulder a broken collarbone, which propelled Bullock into the starting role. After leading LA Tech to just seven points against FIU, Bullock accounted for six total touchdowns in his first home start against MTSU with five scores through the air and one on the ground, while passing for 290 yards. Bullock earned All-CUSA Freshman honors after completing 184-of-273 passes for 1,932 yards with 14 touchdowns and just two interceptions.

RUNNING BACKS

The Bulldogs did not have a 100-yard rusher until Nov. 16 when the team traveled to face Western Kentucky, as first-year back Amani Givens ran for 103 yards on 17 attempts in the upset win. Two weeks later, first-year running back and fellow junior college transfer Omiri Wiggins became the second back to hit the century mark after rushing for a team and season-high 129 yards and three scores in the 33-0 shutout win over Kennesaw. The two junior college transfers became the primary backs for the Bulldogs after people expected a healthy Marquis Crosby and Texas State transfer Donerio Davenport to carry the load. Wiggins saw action in all 12 games while making eight starts, including seven of the final eight games. He led the team with 487 rushing yards and four scores on 103 attempts, while catching 20 passes for two touchdowns. Givens carried the ball 72 times for 317 yards and two scores, while Crosby registered 214 yards, and one scores.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Eight different Bulldogs wide receivers caught a pass this season with two recording 35+ receptions. Tru Edwards leads the team with 77 receptions, which ranks 1st in the CUSA, as he is on the only player with 70+ receptions. The redshirt senior leads the team in all receiving categories including receptions, yards (897), and touchdowns (six), on his way to earning First Team All-CUSA honors. Jimmy Holiday was second amongst the group with 37 receptions for 461 yards and two touchdowns. Holiday also logged 181 yards and four scores on the ground. Redshirt junior Solo Lewis finished second on the team with three receiving touchdowns on 16 receptions and 220 yards. First-year Bulldog Jay Wilkerson has provided a down field target for Bullock, leading the team in catch average (20.15). Wilkerson has caught 13 passes for 262 yards and two touchdowns. Abdul-Fatai Ibrahim has recorded 12 receptions for 94 yards.

TIGHT ENDS

Eli Finley will be the only active true active tight end for the Independence Bowl, after the departure of John Locke to the transfer portal in December. Former tight end, Nate Jones, who played receiver this season will move back to the position for the bowl game. Finely earned All-CUSA Honorable Mention honors after finishing third on the team with 23 receptions, 279 yards and two scores. The sophomore from Texas started in all 12 games and recorded a reception in in nine straight game to start the season. John Locke saw action in 11 games, while Kendrick Rucker saw action early in the season before suffering an injury. Reserve offensive lineman Roy Brackins III has served as a blocking tight end for the Bulldogs this season. Nate Jones returns to the position after logging 29 receptions for 285 yards and one score in 2022 and 2023.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Left tackle Daniel Keys and left guard Bert Hale were the only two Bulldogs to start in all 12 games for the Bulldogs this season, but the Bulldogs will look for a new face to step up at guard in the Independence Bowl as Hale will not play due to injury. Landon Nelson has seen most snaps at center, playing in 11 games with nine starts, while ULM transfer Zarian McGill has started three games while playing in 11. Jerren Gilbert has played in 11 games with nine starts at right guard, while Ja’Marion Kennedy has seen action in all 12 with three starts. Redshirt freshman Hayden Christman has started the past 10 games at right tackle after taking over for Brett Canis after two games. Kenneth Banister has seen action in seven games as a reserve lineman.

DEFENSIVE LINE

The Bulldogs will be without First Team All-CUSA defensive tackle David Blay, who entered the portal at the conclusion of the regular season. Blay led the team with 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, while leading the front with 46 stops. The Bulldogs will have both of their starting ends in Mykol Clark and Jessie Evans. Evans started 10 games at defensive end and registered 37 tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks. Clark started in nine games and recorded 22 tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack. Zion Nason and Christian Davis are expected to see time at defensive tackle in the Independence Bowl, while Jacob Bradford and Judd Rouyea will backup Clark and Evans. LA Tech will be without reserve ends J’Dan Burnett and Jayden Gray who also entered the portal at the conclusion of the season.

LINEBACKERS

The LA Tech defense saw consistency at linebacker this season with the duo of Zach Zimos and Kolbe Fields, along with CJ Harris and reserve backer Sifa Leota. Zimos finished with the team in lead in tackles with 74 after playing in 12 games with 11 starts, missing one half due to a targeting call. Fields finished second on the squad with 71 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception and two forced fumbles after starting and playing in 11 games. The Bulldogs will be without Fields, who earned All-CUSA Second Team honors after injuring his foot versus Arkansas. CJ Harris finished the season with 379 tackles and seven tackles for loss after starting in eight games. Leota registered three starts and tallied 39 stops, 5.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Freshman Jadon Mayfield and Alonzo Jackson Jr. are expected to see time at linebacker in the bowl game after playing in four games to maintain their redshirt status in the regular season.

SECONDARY

The LA Tech defensive back group will be a full go for the bowl, returning starters at all five spots. Demarcus Griffin-Taylor started in all 12 games at corner, while Cedric Woods started in 11 games opposite of Griffin-Taylor. Of the three safety positions, Isaiah Mcelvane started in 12 games at one safety spot, while Blake Thompson (nine starts) and Roderick Robertson (three starts) filled in at the second spot. Michael Richard started the first five games of the season in the nickel spot; however, Jacob Fields took over the starting role after Richard suffered an injury against MTSU and started the final seven games. Thompson led the defensive backs with 55 tackles and 2.5 tackle for loss. Griffin-Taylor recorded 54 stops and led the team with five pass breakups from his corner spot. Jacob Fields logged 44 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and three pass breakups.

SPECIALISTS

LA Tech will be down its field goal kicker and kickoff specialist Buck Buchanan who announced his intentions to transfer after the regular season. Buchanan finished the season 13-20 with a long 57 against NC State that tied the program record for longest made field goal. He hit from 55 yards against Kennesaw and connected on 29-31 PAT attempts. Buchanan recorded 51 touchbacks on 56 kickoffs. Patrick Rea punted the ball 64 times for 2,511 yards for an average of 39.23 yards per kick. The Australian had 22 punts land inside the 20-yard line and 22 punts that were fair caught, ranking second in CUSA in both categories. Redshirt freshman Drew Henderson will handle field goal and PAT duties in the Independence Bowl, while freshman John Hoyet Chance will serve as the kickoff specialist. Demarcus Griffin-Taylor has been the team’s top kickoff return man, logging 20 returns for 55 yards, with a long of 58 yards against UTEP.

Louisiana Tech Alphabetical Roster

64 Jake Acklin OL 6-6 314 Fr. Haynesville, La. / Haynesville HS

5 Blake Baker QB 6-5 224 R-Fr. Cypress, Texas / Cypress Ranch HS

73 Kenneth Bannister OL 6-3 312 R-Jr. New Orleans, La. / Edna Karr HS

36 Navarion Benson DB 6-0 162 Jr. Crystal Springs, Miss. / Copiah-Lincoln CC

60 Roy Brackins III OL 6-3 308 R-Fr. Baton Rouge, La. / Woodlawn HS

93 Jacob Bradford DL 6-1 267 Fr. Pass Christian, Miss. / St. Stanislaus HS

7 Evan Bullock QB 6-5 212 R-Fr. Anna, Texas / Anna HS

41 Ean Burch LS 5-11 205 R-Jr. Shreveport, La. / Loyola College Prep

48 Kells Bush DL 6-3 309 R-So. New Orleans, La. / LSU

26 Princeton Cahee RB 5-10 190 R-Fr. Lafayette, La. / Bucknell

67 Brett Canis OL 6-6 316 R-Jr. Midland, Texas / Texas Tech

48 John Hoyet Chance P 6-1 219 Fr. Shreveport, La. / Captain Shreve HS

72 Hayden Christman OL 6-6 324 R-Fr. Tioga, La. / Tioga HS

88 Mykol Clark DL 6-5 272 Gr. Fort Worth, Texas / Crowley HS

26 Joshua Cobbs DB 6-2 205 R-Jr. West Monroe, La. / West Monroe HS

78 Ashanti Cole OL 6-3 316 Jr. Coushatta, La. / Grambling State

76 Cyler Corn OL 6-4 288 Fr. Groesbeck, Texas / Groesbeck HS

3 Marquis Crosby RB 5-9 201 R-Jr. Hattiesburg, Miss. / Presbyterian Christian School

39 Jacoryian Crowe DB 5-10 175 Fr. Ruston, La. / Ruston HS

31 Brayden Curry WR 5-7 160 R-Fr. Shreveport, La. / Evangel Christian Academy

97 Christian Davis DL 6-3 318 R-Fr. Ruston, La. / Northwestern State

25 Colton Deckard LB 6-2 208 R-Fr. Muenster, Texas / Muenster HS

18 Ezekiel Durham-Campbell DL 6-5 241 Jr. Atlanta, Ga. / Lenoir Rhyne

16 Tru Edwards WR 6-3 201 R-Sr. Shreveport, La. / Hawaii

53 Austin Ellis OL 6-4 300 Fr. Whitehouse, Texas / Bullard HS

2 Jessie Evans DL 6-3 260 Sr. Houston, Texas / Prairie View A&M

23 Jacob Fields DB 5-11 188 So. Melissa, Texas / Melissa HS

10 Kolbe Fields LB 6-0 220 R-Jr. New Orleans, La. / LSU

84 Eli Finley TE 6-6 244 So. Heath, Texas / Rockwall Heath HS

6 Jakari Foster DB 6-0 206 Jr. Piedmont, Ala. / Hutchinson CC

75 Jerren Gilbert OL 6-2 315 Sr. Lake Charles, La. / Sam Houston HS

25 Amani Givens RB 5-7 208 Jr. Baton Rouge, La. / El Camino CC

88 Tamarcus Gray Jr. WR 6-2 180 Fr. Texarkana, Texas / Texas HS

8 Demarcus Griffin-Taylor DB 5-9 166 R-Sr.

Flora, Miss. / WKU

18 Abdul-Fatai Ibrahim WR 6-0 200 R-Sr. Miramar, Fla. / Bowling Green

9 Marlion Jackson WR 6-2 205 R-So. Flowery Branch, Ga. / Cherokee Bluff HS

17 Zachary Jackson DB 5-10 175 Fr. Monroe, La. / Neville HS

30 Alonzo Jackson Jr. LB 6-1 215 Fr. Haynesville, La. / Haynesville HS

17 Nate Jones WR 6-3 215 Sr. Malakoff, Texas / Trinity Valley CC

66 Ja’Marion Kennedy OL 6-3 323 R-Fr. Shreveport, La. / Northwood HS

51 Daniel Keys OL 6-5 344 Sr. New Orleans, La. / Stephen F. Austin

80 Dedrick Latulas WR 5-7 160 So. New Iberia, La. / Westgate HS

Sifa Leota LB 6-3 229 R-Jr. Euless, Texas / North Texas 2 Solo Lewis WR 5-8 173 R-Jr. Lake Charles, La. / Lake Charles College Prep

Chase Locke WR 6-3 204 Sr. San Antonio, Texas / Wyoming

85 Adem Madise WR 6-2 188 R-Fr. Dallas, Texas / South Oak Cliff HS

33 Jadon Mayfield LB 5-11 228 Fr. Ruston, La. / Ruston HS

3 Isaiah McElvane DB 6-0 197 R-Sr. San Jose, Calif. / San Diego State 54 Zarian McGill OL 6-2 308 Sr. Taylorsville, Miss. / ULM

47 Kenyatta McNeese DB 5-11 176 R-Fr. Olympia, Wash. / Olympia HS 96 Zion Nason DL 6-2 302 Sr. Canton, Miss. / Mississippi Gulf Coast CC

55 Landon Nelson OL 6-1 305 R-Jr. Underwood, Iowa / Iowa Western CC

49 James Predtechenkis LB 6-1 200 Fr. Dallas, Texas / Covenant Christian HS

50 Gabe Pugh LS 6-3 233 R-Sr. Tuscaloosa, Ala. / Alabama

32 Patrick Rea P 6-3 194 R-So. Melbourne, Australia / St. Patrick’s College Ballarat

56 Andrew Richard OL 6-3 303 Fr. Central, La. / Central HS

5 Michael Richard DB 5-11 178 So. New Orleans, La. / Edna Karr HS

59 Jake Riggs LS 5-11 209 Fr. Dallas, Texas / Prestonwood Christian Academy

19 Roderick Roberson DB 6-0 195 R-Sr. Royse City, Texas / SMU

24 Fred Robertson RB 5-7 185 Fr. New Orleans, La. / Warren Easton HS

Judd Rouyea DL 6-2 251 R-Fr. Baton Rouge, La. / Catholic HS

Kendrick Rucker TE 6-5 233 R-So. Shreveport, La. / Huntington HS 68 Tristan Santoro OL 6-6 275 Fr. Shreveport, La. / Evangel Christian Academy 4 Jhamal Shelby Jr. DB 6-3 190 R-So. New Orleans, La. / St. Augustine HS 81 Jay Simon WR 5-11 179 Fr. Shreveport, La.

Louisiana Tech Depth Chart

OFFENSE

QB 7 Evan Bullock 6-5, 212, R-Fr.

10 Jack Turner 6-5, 231, R-Jr.

RB 22 Omiri Wiggins 5-10, 202, So. 25 Amani Givens 5-7, 208, Jr.

3 Marquis Crosby 5-9, 201, R-Jr.

TE 84 Eli Finley 6-6, 244, So. 17 Nate Jones 6-3, 215, Sr.

WR-H 16 Tru Edwards 6-3, 201, R-Sr. 80 Dedrick Latulas 5-7, 160, So.

WR-Z 6 Jimmy Holiday 6-1, 211, R-Sr.

47 Jay Wilkerson 6-1, 179, R-So.

WR-X 18 Abdul-Fatai Ibrahim 6-0, 200, R-Sr. 14 Dakota Williams 6-2, 197, So.

LT 51 Daniel Keys 6-5, 344, Sr.

73 Kenneth Bannister 6-3, 312, R-Jr.

LG 78 Ashanti Cole 6-3, 316, R-Jr.

60 Roy Brackins III 6-3, 308, R-Fr.

C 55 Landon Nelson 6-1, 305, R-Jr. -or- 54 Zarian McGill 6-2, 308, Sr.

RG 66 Ja’Marion Kennedy 6-3, 323, R-Fr.

75 Jerren Gilbert 6-2, 315, Sr.

RT 72 Hayden Christman 6-6, 324, R-Fr.

67 Brett Canis 6-6, 316, R-Jr.

DEFENSE

DE 2 Jessie Evans 6-3, 260, Sr. 93 Jacob Bradford 6-1, 267, Fr.

NT 97 Christian Davis 6-3, 318, R-Fr. 93 Jacob Bradford 6-1, 267, Fr.

DT 96 Zion Nason 6-2, 302, Sr. 99 Judd Rouyea 6-2, 251, R-Fr.

DE 88 Mykol Clark 6-5, 272, Gr. 99 Judd Rouyea 6-2, 251, R-Fr.

LB 21 Zach Zimos 6-4, 236, R-Sr. 25 Colton Deckard 6-2, 208, R-Fr.

LB 37 CJ Harris 6-0, 230, Sr. 30 Alonzo Jackson 6-1, 215, Fr.

LB 42 Sifa Leota 6-3, 229, R-Jr. 33 Jadon Mayfield 5-11, 228, Fr.

CB 8 Demarcus Griffin-Taylor 5-9, 166, R-Sr. 36 Navarion Benson 6-0, 162, Jr.

S 0 Blake Thompson 6-1, 191, R-So. 23 Jacob Fields 5-11, 188, So.

S 5 Michael Richard 5-11, 178, So. 3 Isaiah Mcelvane 6-0, 197, R-Sr.

CB 11 Cedric Woods 5-11, 185, R-Sr. 4 Jhamal Sheby Jr. 6-3, 190, R-So.

SPECIAL TEAMS

K 43 Drew Henderson 5-8, 184, R-Fr.

KO 48 John Hoyet Chance 6-1, 219, Fr.

P 32 Patrick Rea 6-3, 194, R-So. 48 John Hoyet Chance 6-1, 219, Fr.

LS 41 Ean Burch 5-11, 205, R-Jr. 50 Gabe Pugh 6-3, 233, R-Sr.

PR 16 Tru Edwards 6-3, 201, R-Sr. 80 Dedrick Latulas 5-7, 160, So.

KR 8 Demarcus Griffin-Taylor 5-9, 166, R-Sr. 22 Omiri Wiggins 5-10, 202, So.

H 32 Patrick Rea 6-3, 194, R-So.

Louisiana Tech Season Stats & Leaders

Demarcus Griffin-Taylor

Head Coach Sonny Cumbie

COACHING EXPERIENCE

SONNY CUMBIE

3rd Year as Louisiana Tech HC

3rd Year Overall as HC

Alma Mater: Texas Tech (2005)

Hometown: Abilene, Texas

Record at Louisiana Tech: 11-25

Record as College HC: 13-28

Texas Tech Offensive Graduate Assistant (2009) Inside Receivers (2010-12)

Co-OC / Outside Receivers (2013) TCU Co-OC / Quarterbacks (2014-16)

Offensive Coordinator / QBs (2017-20)

Texas Tech OC / QBs / Interim Head Coach (2021) Louisiana Tech Head Coach (2022 - Present)

Sonny Cumbie was welcomed to Ruston as the 34th head football coach in Bulldog history on December 1, 2021.

In 2023, Cumbie served as the primary play caller for the Bulldogs’ offense that ranked fifth in the CUSA with 384.7 yards of total offense per game while ranking third in first downs gained with 243. The Bulldog offense was among the conference leaders in passing plays over 10 yards (2nd, 123), 20 yards (2nd, 46) and 30 yards (3rd, 22). The Bulldogs eclipsed 300 yards passing four times during the 2023 season, highlighted by a 419-yard passing performance against Sam Houston. On the ground the Bulldogs rushed for over 100 yards seven times, highlighted by a 357-yard outburst in a win over Northwestern State.

Under Cumbie’s tutelage Tech had 10 All-CUSA players in 2023, highlighted by first-team selections, Smoke Harris (wide receiver/punt returner), Blake Ochsendorf (punter), and Willie Roberts (defensive back). Freshman defensive back Michael Richard was named CUSA Freshman of the Year and garnered First-Team Freshman All-America honors from The Athletic.

In his inaugural season in Ruston, he led Tech to a 3-2 record at home in 2022, marking the first time since 2007 that a first-year head coach finished with a winning home record.

Cumbie garnered his first win as head coach at Louisiana Tech with a dominant 52-17 triumph over Stephen F. Austin on Sept. 10, 2022 at Joe Aillet Stadium. A win in which Tech accumulated a season high in total offense (516 yards) and rushing (300 yards).

The Bulldogs garnered two wins in Conference USA play with a 41-31 win over UTEP in the CUSA opener (Oct. 8) and a 40-24 shellacking of Middle Tennessee (Nov. 5). Despite finishing the inaugural campaign with a 3-9 record Tech fell in overtime twice and had four losses by 10 points or less, including three by a single possession.

Tech garnered a total of 15 all-conference selections in 2022. Wide receiver Tre Harris, defensive lineman Keivie Rose and wide receiver/return specialist Smoke Harris all earned First-Team All-Conference USA honors while defensive back Myles Brooks was named second-team all-conference. Tre Harris was named a semifinalist for the Fred Biletnikoff Award and Brooks was invited to the East-West Shrine Bowl and NFL Combine following the conclusion of the season. Redshirt freshman running back Marquis Crosby was named Honorable Mention Freshman All-American by College Football News after a breakout season in which he rushed for 918 yards and nine touchdowns on 183 carries. His 918 rushing yards ranked sixth nationally among all FBS freshman.

Under his tutelage, Cumbie’s quarterbacks ranked 32nd nationally in passing yards per game with 267.2 a contest. Quarterback Parker McNeil threw for a seasonhigh 424 yards in a loss at North Texas which was the most by a Bulldogs since Ryan Higgins in 2016.

On the recruiting trail, the Bulldogs’ 21-member signing class was the highest-rated class in Conference USA and ranked fifth among all Group of Five schools. Tech ranked 70th nationally in the Rivals 2023 Team Recruiting Rankings, edging out its 2020 signing class by a spot for the best slot in program history.

Cumbie has spent the past 12 years as an assistant coach in the Big 12, including two stints at Texas Tech (2009-13, 2021) and one at TCU (2014-2020). He has served as offensive coordinator the past nine years for the Red Raiders and Horned Frogs and worked under some of the top coaches in college football, including Mike Leach, Tommy Tuberville, Kliff Kingsbury and Gary Patterson.

Cumbie came to Tech after serving as the offensive coordinator at Texas Tech in 2021, including serving as the interim head coach over the final four games of the season. This was his second stint in Lubbock, after beginning his college coaching career with the Red Raiders in 2009.

He also served as the quarterbacks coach and the offensive coordinator at TCU during his seven seasons in Ft. Worth. And everywhere he has been, his offenses have been innovative and entertaining.

During his tenure at TCU, Cumbie oversaw the Horned Frogs’ quarterbacks and served as the sole offensive play caller each of the final four years. TCU boasted the

Louisiana Tech Coaching Staff

Big 12’s second-best conference record (38-25) and its third-best overall mark (58-30) over his seven seasons, which coincided with six bowl appearances.

His impact was felt immediately at TCU as the program broke the Big 12 record with a 21.4 points per game improvement, the largest by any team nationally since 1999-2000 (Northwestern). TCU ranked No. 2 in scoring (46.5) and No. 5 in total offense (533.0) on the way to a 12-1 record.

The 2015 Horned Frogs once again lit up the scoreboard, ranking No. 3 in total offense (562.8) and No. 7 in scoring (42.1) on the way to an 11-2 record and a win over Oregon in the Valero Alamo Bowl (rallying from a 31-0 halftime deficit).

Cumbie helped push TCU to the Big 12 Championship game and a top-10 ranking in his first year as sole play caller in 2017 as the Horned Frogs closed the year at 11-3 overall following a 39-37 victory over No. 13 Stanford in the Valero Alamo Bowl.

During his first stint with the Red Raiders, Texas Tech threw for more than 4,000 yards each of the four years while averaging more than 35 points per game.

His 2012 Texas Tech offense boasted a pair of 1,000-yard receivers, making the pair the first teammates to each eclipse 1,000-yard seasons since 2007 when future NFL stars

Michael Crabtree and Danny Amendola did so. In 2013, he coached a pair of freshman quarterbacks and still boasted an offense that finished second in the FBS in passing yards per game (392) and eighth in total offense (511). On the recruiting trail, Cumbie helped land arguably one of the game’s most talented quarterbacks in two-time NFL MVP and five-time Pro Bowler Patrick Mahomes.

His passion for high-octane offenses comes from his playing days at Texas Tech.

After walking on for the Red Raiders in 2000, he earned the starting role his senior season and led the country in passing yards (4,742 yards) and total offense (4,575 yards) with 32 touchdowns. Texas Tech went 7-4 in the regular season and earned a berth to face Top 5 Cal in the Holiday Bowl, where the Red Raiders were huge underdogs. Cumbie completed 39 of 60 passes for 520 yards (still a Holiday Bowl record) and three TDs in the win over the Bears.

Cumbie twice led the Red Raiders to 70-point games that season on the way to garnering honorable mention All-Big 12 accolades as well as Academic All-Big 12 first team honors.

He played for the Los Angeles Avengers of the Arena Football League, earning a spot on the AFL All-Rookie Team in 2006 as well as being a finalist for the AFL Rookie of the Year. Upon completion of the 2006 season, Cumbie was signed by the Baltimore Ravens. He was back in the AFL for the 2007 season, leading the Avengers to their first playoff victory in franchise history while throwing for 83 touchdowns.

Following his time in the AFL, he served time as a head coach in the Indoor Football League where he also played some quarterback during the 2009 season. Following the IFL stint, he joined Mike Leach’s staff as a graduate assistant at his alma mater.

Cumbie and his wife, Tamra, are both natives of Snyder, Texas, and graduates of Texas Tech. They are parents to two sons, Grey and Hays.

LOUISIANA TECH ASSISTANT COACHES

DAN SHARP Assistant Head Coach / Special Teams Coach TONY FRANKLIN Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks

JEREMIAH JOHNSON Defensive Coordinator

JEFF BURRIS Co-Defensive Coordinator / Safeties

NATHAN YOUNG Co-Offensive Coordinator / OL TEDDY VEAL Running Backs

LORENZO JOE Wide Receivers

JACORI GREER Defensive Line

CORTEZ CARTER Linebackers

KEELON BROOKINS Cornerbacks

Louisiana Tech University

Our University

JIM HENDERSON PRESIDENT

Louisiana Tech University

As a selective-admissions, comprehensive public university, Louisiana Tech is committed to quality in teaching, research, creative activity and scholarship, public service, and workforce/economic development. Louisiana Tech maintains as its highest priority the education and development of its students in a challenging environment within a safe and supportive, diverse community of learners.

History & About Louisiana Tech University

Louisiana Tech University is a four-year selective Four-year selective admissions research university awarding bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

Louisiana Tech University opened its doors in 1984 as the Industrial Institute and College of Louisiana. Four years later in 1898, the state constitution changed the school’s name to Louisiana Industrial Institute. In 1921, the college changed its name to Louisiana Polytechnic Institute to reflect its development as a larger institute of technology. Louisiana Polytechnic Institute became desegregated in the 1960s. It officially changed its name to Louisiana Tech University in 1970 as it satisfied the criteria of a research university.

The university sponsors 16 varsity NCAA D1 sports. Louisiana Tech is the only university in Conference USA on a quarter system and one of just seven FBS schools that are currently on the quarter system schedule.

Louisiana Tech’s pedestrian-friendly campus centers around the Quad with its shady trees and the Lady of the Mist fountain. Ruston, a friendly southern town of approximately 22,000 is home to parks, lakes, and world-class mountain biking trails.

Tenets of Tech

The Division of Student Affairs at Louisiana Tech University has developed 12 guiding principles, or tenets, that exemplify the qualities that Tech students should possess upon graduating from this institution. It is expected that students will conduct themselves according to these tenets during their academic careers at Tech and, after graduating, continue to personify these tenets in their personal and professional lives.

In essence, these tenets become more than ideas to be learned; they become a moral and an ethical compass with which to navigate through life. Nothing less will do for members of the Tech Family.

The Tenets of Tech are:

Confidence (confisio) – A sense of self.

Excellence (bonitas) – Appreciation for first-rate experiences.

Commitment (commendo) – Accept responsibility as a citizen of the University.

Knowledge (agnitio) – Understanding of ideas based on actual experiences.

Integrity (integritas) – Ability to defend, evaluate, or question one’s own beliefs.

Respect (adsurgo) – Acknowledgment of others’ beliefs through personal interactions.

Leadership (ductus) – Guidance through service, involvement, and mentoring.

Loyalty (fides) – Faithfulness to values, commitments, and responsibilities.

Enthusiasm (studium) – Excitement for personal characteristics and future opportunities.

Caring (affectus) – Affinity for beauty, performing arts, and human culture.

Hope (spes) – Belief in future experiences and growth opportunities.

Pride (spiritus) – A sense of self-respect.

Why Students Should Apply

Louisiana Tech University combines affordability, strong academics, and a personal campus environment, making it an excellent choice for students. LA Tech is consistently ranked as one of the most affordable universities in Louisiana and the nation, providing great value for tuition costs. It is No. 1 in the state and No. 17 nationally among “Low Cost Colleges with High Starting Salaries for Graduates.” Graduates receive the highest starting median pay among Louisiana universities and benefit from a top-tier return on investment, with LA Tech ranked No. 1 in the state and 21st nationally for ROI.

LA Tech is nationally recognized for its programs in engineering, computer science, business, and cybersecurity. Students also benefit from a small-campus feel, developing close relationships with professors and peers for a more personalized learning experience. Additionally, the university has ranked in the top 25 nationally for graduating students with the least debt in four of the past five years.

Louisiana Tech Athletics

RYAN IVEY

VICE PRESIDENT & DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

Louisiana

Tech Athletics

Louisiana Tech President Dr. Jim Henderson introduced Ryan Ivey as Vice President and Director of Athletics at the Davison Athletics Complex.

Ivey brings 18+ years of experience in intercollegiate athletics, including 11 years as an athletic director at Stephen F. Austin (SFA), Austin Peay, and Texas A&M-Commerce. At SFA, he guided a conference transition to the WAC, increased ticket sales by 189%, and raised private support through initiatives like the Purple Lights Fund, securing the largest gifts in department history. Ivey oversaw over $30 million in facility upgrades, including the Loddie Naymola Basketball Performance Center. Under his leadership, SFA celebrated 18 conference titles, three NCAA Tournament appearances, and a 2019 Bowling National Championship.

At Austin Peay (2015-18), Ivey raised $6.5 million for facilities and operations while increasing football and basketball ticket revenue by 39%. On the field, men’s basketball reached the postseason twice, football tied a program record for wins in 2017, and volleyball won OVC titles.

At Texas A&M-Commerce, Ivey’s leadership propelled the Lions to six Lone Star Conference titles, back-toback winning football seasons, and record attendance. He secured $2.8 million for facilities, including a $1.4 million softball field for a firstyear program.

Ivey began his Louisiana career at McNeese, focusing on corporate sponsorships and revenue growth. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Memphis, where he was a football punter and holder for future NFL star Stephen Gostkowski.

Ivey and his wife Kelley have two sons, Jett and Ace.

Louisiana Tech Band & Spirit

The Louisiana Tech band, also known as the Band of Pride, has multiple traditions. The BoP was founded in 1906 by H.D. Wilson. The BoP participates in hundreds of events throughout the academic year, including home football and basketball games, and other select events such as Mardi Gras parades, Christmas parades, on campus events and more. The Band of Pride has long been hailed as the catalyst for fan support of the Bulldogs football, basketball, and the Lady Techsters basketball team.

The Band of Pride is one of the oldest and most cherished traditions on campus, combining rich history with unmatched energy and excitement. Members enjoy half the rehearsals but twice the fun, starting with the perk of beating the rush with early dorm move-in. The BoP kicks off game days with spirited pregame tailgate performances, bringing great music and shows to every football and basketball season. With no fundraising required, members can focus on building crazy BoP spirit, earning scholarships, and making lifelong memories. From day one, you gain 165 new friends—many in your major—before classes even begin. And, of course, they play Neck.

The LA Tech spirit squad consist of the cheerleaders and the Regal Blues. The cheerleading squad is made of boys and girls, while the Regal Blues is an all-female group. The LA Tech Regal Blues are experienced technically trained dancers who focus primarily on technique, performance, and maintaining physical fitness. A full-year commitment is mandatory. Practices take place in the summer after tryouts in the springs, as well three to five practices during the school year to learn and perfect choreography.

Over the summer, the entire Regal Blues team attends UDA College Dance Camp and a select veteran group attends ProAction Dance Intensive. During the school year, the Regal Blues represent the Bulldogs and Lady Techsters at numerous sporting events such as football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and occasional soccer and volleyball games. In addition, we participate in pep rallies, additional athletic department events, and campus and community service activities during the year. The Regal Blues also compete at the UDA College Nationals in Orlando, Florida, in January.

Army NUMERICAL ROSTER

Army Season in Review

GAME 1

Army 42, Lehigh 7

Aug. 30 | Michie Stadium | West Point, N.Y.

Army West Point (1-0) opened a new era of Army Black Knights football on Friday night under the lights at Michie Stadium routing FCS Lehigh (0-1), 42-7.

Army totaled 432 yards of total offense, 375 on the ground. The Black Knights scored on every offensive possession minus when receiving the ball back before halftime with just a few seconds left. QB Bryson Daily and RB Kanye Udoh each had two touchdowns on the ground.

The Black Knights kept their first drive of the season alive with a fake punt as LB Andon Thomas scrambled for 35 yards and a first down. Daily capped the drive with the first touchdown of the season as the first of six rushing scores on the day for the Black Knights.

CBs Jaydan Mayes and Donavon Platt added interceptions on the defensive side.

GAME 2

Army 24, FAU 7

Sept. 7 | FAU Stadium | Boca Raton, Fla.

Army (2-0, 1-0 AAC) faced off against the Florida Atlantic Owls (0-2, 0-1 AAC), in the two programs’ first ever meeting as the Black Knights collected a 24-7 victory in what was also Army’s first American Athletic Conference contest as a member of the conference.

With a kickoff temperature of 91 degrees, Army dominated the ground

Army had back-to-back games to open the season with three rushers over 70 yards. Slot back Noah Short had a career-best 160 yards on 11 carries while quarterback Bryson Daily tallied 117 yards on 18 keepers and Kanye Udoh logged 70 yards on 14 attempts. WR Casey Reynolds also caught a 44-yard touchdown from Daily in the first quarter.

Special teams played a role for Army once again, as Sean Saturnio went into his bag of tricks with a fake field goal attempt, in which holder Matthew Rhodes tucked and ran 23 yards for a touchdown which made it a three-score game in the second half.

GAME 3

Army 37, Rice 14

Sept. 21 | Michie Stadium | West Point, N.Y.

Army (3-0, 2-0 AAC) defeated the Rice Owls (1-3, 0-1), in a dominant 37-14 fashion on a beautiful September day on the banks of the Hudson.

QB Bryson Daily accounted for four first-half touchdowns (two passing and two rushing) to propel the Black Knights as he rushed for 145 yards and three touchdowns while throwing for 107 yards and two scores.

Army scored touchdowns on all four of its first-half drives to take a 28-0 lead into the locker room.

LBs Andon Thomas and Baylor Newsom each recorded their first career interceptions while Thomas and LB Adam Cash paced the team with six tackles.

Army outgained the Owls 288-41 on the ground while controlling possession 39:05-20:55, continuing its trends from the wins over Lehigh and Florida Atlantic. Army, once again totaled over 400 yards of total offense with 408 and converted an impressive 9-for-15 on third downs.

GAME 4

Army 42, Temple 14

Sept. 26 | Lincoln Financial Stadium | Philadelphia, Pa.

The Army Black Knights (4-0, 3-0 AAC) steamrolled over the Temple Owls (1-4, 0-2 AAC), 42-14 on Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field.

QB Bryson Daily was once again spectacular rushing for 152 yards, his third consecutive 100-yard performance while adding three rushing touchdowns. Daily has scored three rushing touchdowns in back-to-back weeks. RB Kanye Udoh aided Daily on the ground, rushing for a career-high 128 yards of his own, including a 28-yard touchdown run.

Army used the formula that has worked well so far this season, starting fast. Army once again scored a touchdown on each of its first two offensive drives of the game to jump out to a 14-0 lead.

The Black Knights once again totaled over 400 yards of offense (489), eclipsing that mark in all four games to start the year. Army’s defense was equally impressive, generating seven sacks by seven different players and holding Temple to –5 rushing yards, the fewest the Army defense has allowed since at least 1996.

GAME 5

Army 49, Tulsa 7

Oct. 5 | H.A. Chapman Stadium | Tulsa, Okla.

The Army Black Knights (5-0, 4-0 AAC) rolled past the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (2-4, 0-2), 49-7 on a hot and sunny day in the Oklahoma Plains.

Senior quarterback Bryson Daily accounted for four touchdowns (two passing & two rushing), passing a perfect 5-for-5 for 140 yards, while adding 110 yards on the ground. Daily was aided by slot back Noah Short who totaled three receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns and RB Kanye Udoh who rushed for 137 yards and two rushing scores.

Udoh had two touchdown runs both over 60+ yards becoming the first Army player since Christian Anderson (2021 vs. Miami (OH) with multiple 60+ yard touchdown runs in the same game. It is the fifth such performance from a Black Knight since 1999.

It also marked the first time since at least 1995 in which Army has had multiple 100+ yard rushers and a 100+ yard receiver.

GAME 6 Army 44, UAB 10

Oct. 12 | Michie Stadium | West Point, N.Y.

The Army Black Knights (6-0, 5-0 AAC) continued its hot start, defeating the UAB Blazers (1-5, 0-3), 44-10 on a beautiful sunny autumn day at Michie Stadium.

With the victory, Army became bowl-game eligible, the earliest in a season ever being eligible. Army reached 40+ points scored in three consecutive games for the first time since 1985.

QB Bryson Daily was sensational again, accounting for five touchdowns (four rushing and one passing) passing for 102 yards and rushing for 136, becoming the first Army rusher with a four rushing touchdown game since Kelvin Hopkins Jr. (2018).

RB Kanye Udoh totaled 97 rushing yards and touchdown in the effort, while WR Casey Reynolds hauled in a 50-yard touchdown pass from Daily while recording 84 receiving yards for the game. S Casey Larkin led the defense with the first two interceptions of his career.

GAME 7

No.

23 Army 45, East Carolina 28

Oct. 19 | Michie Stadium | West Point, N.Y.

The Army Black Knights (7-0, 6-0 AAC) continued their undefeated season, dominating the East Carolina Pirates (3-4, 1-2), 45-28 on a picturesque October day at a sold-out Michie Stadium.

QB Bryson Daily had a record-setting day, breaking two single-season program records, most rushing touchdowns in a season, and most touchdowns responsible for in a season. Daily scored six touchdowns, five on the ground and one passing, the first six touchdown accounted for game by an Army player since Elmer Oliphant’s six-touchdown day in 1916.

Daily totaled 171 rushing yards on 31 carries (5.5 avg.), while also passing 7-for-10 for 147 yards. His five rushing touchdowns tied the program record for most in a single game, the most recent occurrence being Kelvin Hopkins Jr in 2018.

RB Kanye Udoh rushed for 102 yards on 19 attempts (5.4 avg.), his third 100-yard game of the year. CB Justin Weaver logged his first career interception, Army’s ninth INT of the season.

Army Season in Review

GAME 8

No. 21 Army 20, Air Force 3

Nov. 2 | Michie Stadium | West Point, N.Y.

The #21 Army Black Knights (8-0, 6-0 AAC) defeated service academy rival Air Force (1-7, 0-4) at a sold-out Michie Stadium on Saturday afternoon, 20-3.

Missing starting quarterback Bryson Daily, Army relied on sophomore RB Kanye Udoh who rattled off a career-best 158 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns to propel Army to win its second consecutive game over Air Force. Udoh rushed 22 times for 158 yards (7.2 avg.) and two touchdowns.

Junior Dewayne Coleman made his first career start at quarterback in place of Bryson Daily who was ruled out for the game (injury or illness). In his starting debut, Coleman passed 5-for-8 for 48 yards and rushed 16 times for 42 yards, playing turnover-free football.

With the win, Army is now 12-4 in his last 16 service academy games dating back to the Army-Navy Game in 2016.

Army’s defense logged six sacks on the afternoon, two by Kody Harris-Miller and 1.5 by Elo Modozie. Army’s defense also intercepted three Air Forces passes, the first time recording three picks in a game since doing so against Air Force in 2020.

GAME 9

No. 18 Army 14, North Texas 3

Nov. 9 | DATCU Stadium | Denton, Texas

The #18 AP-ranked Army Black Knights (9-0, 7-0 AAC) hit the road and defeated conference foe North Texas (5-3, 2-3), 14-3 for what was the Black Knights 13th consecutive win dating back to last season.

QB Bryson Daily returned to the starting lineup after missing last week’s game (injury or illness) and didn’t miss a beat rushing for 153 yards and two rushing touchdowns on 36 carries (4.2 avg.).

Army’s defense came up clutch against an offense that entered the game ranking highly nationally in many key categories forcing a key first-half goal-line stand and intercepting two passes in the red zone in the second half.

Army would take a two-score lead, 14-3, on what was the longest drive of the season, a 21-play drive, marching 94 yards, and taking off almost a full quarter of play, 13:54 off the game clock on Daily’s second touchdown of the day, a two-yard touchdown run.

CB Donavon Platt and CB Justin Weaver each had interceptions in the end zone to keep North Texas from scoring in the fourth quarter.

GAME 10

No.

6 Notre Dame 49, No. 18 Army 14 Nov. 23 | Yankee Stadium | Bronx, N.Y.

The #18 AP-ranked Army Black Knights (9-1, 7-0 AAC) fell by a score of 49-14 at Yankee Stadium to the #6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-1) on Saturday night.

QB Bryson Daily totaled 139 yards on the ground on 39 carries (3.6 avg.) while scoring two rushing touchdowns to lead the Black Knights.

Notre Dame scored touchdowns on its first two possessions with the second coming after a key blocked punt to go ahead 14-0.

Army marched methodically on a 12-play, 75-yard drive absorbing 7:37 off the clock that was finished off by Daily’s four-yard touchdown to cut into the deficit, 14-7. Notre Dame found the end zone twice more before halftime, going into the break ahead 28-7.

After a Notre Dame touchdown to begin the second half, Army’s Elo Modozie would block a Mitch Jeter field goal attempt from 30 yards away, recovered by Casey Larkin to halt an Irish scoring opportunity in the third quarter. The Irish added two more scores to extend the lead to 49-7.

Army drove down on its final possession for a touchdown, with Daily finding paydirt from one yard out for his 23rd rushing touchdown of the season, making the final score 49-14.

GAME 11

No.

25 Army 29, UTSA 24

Nov. 30 | Michie Stadium | West Point, N.Y.

The #25 AP-ranked Army Black Knights (10-1, 8-0 AAC) finished the AAC regular season a perfect 8-0 on Saturday afternoon at Michie Stadium defeating the UTSA Roadrunners (6-6, 4-4), 29-24.

Trailing by one, 17-16 entering the fourth quarter, Army QB Bryson Daily ran for two fourth-quarter touchdowns to propel the Black Knights to a perfect 8-0 mark in the teams’ first season in the American Athletic Conference and finish the regular season a perfect 6-0 at Michie Stadium.

Daily rushed for 147 yards and two scores on 27 carries (5.4 avg.), setting the Army mark for most 100-yard games in a season with nine, all of which have come in consecutive games.

After getting the ball into Army territory with under two minutes remaining, UTSA QB Owen McCown went for a deep pass over the middle which was broken up by S Gavin Shields with the ball falling into the hands of S Casey Larkin to seal the victory for the Black Knights.

GAME 12

No. 24 Army 35, Tulane 14

Dec. 6 | Michie Stadium | West Point, N.Y.

The #24 AP-ranked Army Black Knights (11-1, 9-0 AAC) won the American Athletic Conference championship on Friday night, defeating the Tulane Green Wave (9-4, 7-2), 3514 at Michie Stadium on a cold December night.

The conference championship is Army’s first conference title in the program’s 134-year history, as the program has been Independent for most of that time.

QB Bryson Daily scored his 26th rushing touchdown in the first quarter, breaking the record for most rushing touchdowns in a season in American Athletic Conference history. Daily scored four rushing touchdowns, his ninth consecutive game this season with 2+ rushing touchdowns.

RB Kanye Udoh rushed for 158 yards to eclipse 1,000 yards for the season. Daily and Udoh are only the third duo and the first since 2012 in Army program history to each rush for over 1,000 yards in a season.

The Black Knights became the only FBS team in at least the last 20 years to have no turnovers, no penalties and no punts in a game in the victory, while also having zero incomplete passes.

GAME 13

Navy 31, No. 22 Army 13 Dec. 14 | Northwest Stadium | Landover, Md.

The #19 AP-ranked Army Black Knights (11-2, 9-0 AAC) fell by a score of 31-13 to the Navy Midshipmen (9-3, 6-2 AAC) at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. With the victory, Navy won its 17th Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, and it was its first since 2019.

Navy QB Blake Horvath accounted for four total touchdowns, two rushing and two passing while rushing for game high 196 yards to lead the Mids’ offensive attack. Navy outgained Army 378-178 in total yardage.

On the night, Army QB Bryson Daily ran 19 times for 53 yards and passed 7-16 for 65 yards a touchdown but threw three interceptions.

Army’s lone touchdown came in the second quarter with Daily hitting SB Hayden Reed up the seam for a 23-yard touchdown pass which made the score 14-7 Navy.

A key fake punt conversion from Navy in the fourth quarter allowed the Mids to take a multi-score lead and eventually secure the 31-13 victory.

Army is now 6-3 in its past nine matchups versus Navy.

Scouting the Black Knights

QUARTERBACKS

Led by senior Bryson Daily who has had a record-breaking season. He has set the Army single-season record for touchdowns responsible for in a season, rushing touchdowns in a season, and rushing touchdowns in a single game, as well as the record for most rushing touchdowns in AAC single-season history. His 29 rushing touchdowns and 1,532 rushing yards and counting were good enough to finish No. 6th in the Heisman Trophy voting, the highest by an Army player since when Pete Dawkins won the award in 1958. Daily’s 29 rushing touchdowns are tied for the most in the country with Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty. Backing up Daily, is junior Dewayne Coleman who started one game this season in place of Daily, leading Army to a service academy win over Air Force.

RUNNING BACKS

Daily’s sidekick all season long in the running game was sophomore Kanye Udoh, who rushed for 1,117 yards and 10 touchdowns. However, since the conclusion of Army’s game vs. Navy, Udoh is in the transfer portal meaning sophomore Jake Rendina and junior Hayden Reed will be asked to pick up the workload. Rendina has primarily been used as a blocker but has rushed 23 times for 98 yards and one touchdown. Reed is Army’s Swiss Army knife playing at running back, slot back, and tight end. In Army’s last game vs. Navy, he caught three passes for 29 yards and a score. Last season, in more of a running back role he rushed 50 times for 205 yards and one touchdown.

Slot Backs

Senior Tyrell Robinson and junior Noah Short have led the slot position group. Short has made many explosive plays in both the run and pass game. He has logged 17 receptions for 318 yards and three touchdowns. On the ground, he has rushed for 563 yards on 70 carries with two touchdowns. Senior Miles Stewart and sophomore Samari Howard have also factored in. Robinson and Stewart have each caught one touchdown on the season.

Offensive Line

Army has started the same five linemen in every game this season in LT Connor Finucane, LG Bill Katsigiannis, C Brady Small, RG Paolo Gennarelli and RT Lucas Scott. The unit has set the bar and standard in a historic season leading the nation in rushing yards, averaging 298.9 yards per game. The unit was rewarded the prestigious Joe Moore Award, given annually to the best offensive line unit in the entire country. The entire starting five was named to either the first-team or second-team All-AAC team.

Wide Receivers

Senior Casey Reynolds leads the group of wideouts. Reynolds is Army’s leading receiver hauling in 19 receptions for 444 yards and three touchdowns. Senior Cam Schurr has also added seven catches for 83 yards and a score. Liam Fortner has started in most contests and has primarily been used as Army’s best perimeter blocker. He has caught one pass for 28 yards.

DEFENSIVE LINE

The defensive line suffered a loss when senior captain Kyle Lewis was lost to a season-ending injury following the North Texas game (11/9). In his absence, Kody

Dre

and Trey

Miller has posted the best numbers out of this unit, logging 29 tackles, five for loss and two sacks.

Inside LINEBACKERS

A strength of Army’s defense, as juniors Andon Thomas and Kalib Fortner have started in every game and are first and second respectfully on the team in tackles. Fortner has logged 8.5 tackles for loss and one sack on the season. Thomas, 95.0 tackles, is just five away from reaching 100 on the season and would be only Army’s third player to hit 100 tackles in a season since 2019.

Outside Linebackers

Sophomore Elo Modozie has been Army’s best rusher, leading the team with 6.5 sacks, the most since Andre Carter’s breakout season in 2021. Modozie has 30.0 tackles and seven for loss on the season. Opposite him is senior Chance Keith, who ranks fifth on the team with 43.0 tackles, two of which for loss.

Cornerbacks

Army has relied on two sophomores as the starters on the outside this season in Donavon Platt and Jaydan Mayes. Both have performed steadily, combining for five interceptions (Mayes, 3 and Platt, 2). Junior Justin Weaver has served as the third corner, logging two interceptions of his own as well.

Safeties

Army’s safety play has been outstanding with senior captain Max DiDomenico and junior Casey Larkin. Larkin has four interceptions, which leads the team and DiDomenico has two. DiDomenico, a first-team All-AAC selection is third on the team with 58.0 tackles.

Special Teams

Senior K Trey Gronotte stepped into the starting role in 2024 with little kicking experience. Gronotte has succeeded in converting 10-11 on field goals and has been a perfect 51-51 on PATs, which is the most in the AAC. James Wagenseller has done the punting, punting 24 times for 1000 yards (41.67 avg.) with nine pinned inside the 20-yard line.

Harris-Miller, Jack Latore,

Miller

Sofia have manned the front. Harris-

Joe Moore Award-Winning Army Offensive Line

Army Alphabetical Roster

97

90 Amir Ali DL 6’1 275 So. San Antonio, Texas / Holy Cross

38 Cooper Allan P 6’1 213 Jr. Franklin, Tenn. / Independence (USMAPS)

47 Brady Anderson WR 6’1 205 Fr. Edina, Minn. / Edina (USMAPS)

58 Henry Appleton OL 6’2 285 So. Denton, Texas / Billy Ryan (USMAPS)

78 Xavier Archawski OL 6’5 317 Fr. Ardmore, Pa. / Lower Merion (USMAPS)

25 Pookie Arterberry SB 5’8 198 Fr. Klein, Texas / Klein (USMAPS)

93 Grayson Baker TE 6’7 245 Fr. Worcester, Mass. / Wachusett Regional

39 Hamilton Baker NB 6’1 209 Sr. Daphne, Ala. / Daphne

25 Josiah Banks NB 6’1 210 Sr. Lewisville, N.C. / Mount Tabor

39 AJ Barbat ILB 6’0 218 Fr. Franklin, Tenn. / Brentwood Academy

7 Charlie Barnett K 6’1 191 Jr. Austin, Texas / Westlake

50 Braden Bartosh OL 6’2 300 Jr. Riverside, Mo. / Park Hill South High (USMAPS)

7 Briggs Bartosh SB 5’10 204 Fr. Riverside, Mo. / Park Hill South (USMAPS)

23 Lloyd Benson III SB 5’8 190 So. Baton Rouge, La. / Catholic (USMAPS)

39 Isaiah Birl OLB 6’0 208 So. Cincinnati, Ohio / Walnut Hills

54 Tanner Bivins OL 6’1 295 Jr. Alpharetta, Ga. / Wesleyan School (USMAPS)

73 Ned Brady OL 6’4 285 Jr. New Canaan, Conn. / New Canaan High School

94 Tex Brannan TE 6’5 225 Fr. Whitesboro, Texas. / Gonzaga College High

1 Anderson Britton K 5’9 176 Jr. Ringgold, Ga. / Heritage

63 Ben Britton DL 6’3 276 Fr. Mount Pleasant, S.C. / Oceanside Collegiate Academy

49 Ty Brown-Stauffer RB 5’9 207 Fr. Danville, Pa. / Danville Area (USMAPS)

31 Caden Brungard ILB 6’0 208 So. Scranton, Pa. / Western Wayne (USMAPS)

56 Nick Buchys DL 6’2 263 Fr. Langhorne, Pa. / Neshaminy (USMAPS)

29 Adam Cash ILB 5’11 229 Sr. Arlington, Texas / Mansfield Timberview (USMAPS)

55 Everett Champlin OL 6’5 280 Fr. Spring, Texas / The Woodlands

63 Ben Chaney OL 6’5 319 Fr. Hubbard, Ohio / Hubbard

26 David Clerk SB 5’9 175 So. Burleson, Texas / Burleson Centennial (USMAPS)

10 Dewayne Coleman QB 5’10 190 Jr. Selma, Texas / Theodore Roosevelt (USMAPS)

85 David Crossan TE 6’3 246 Sr. Clearwater, Fla. / Calvary Christian (USMAPS)

13 Bryson Daily QB 6’0 221 Sr. Abernathy, Texas / Abernathy (USMAPS)

5 Jarel Dickson RB 5’11 214 Jr. Trenton, Tenn. / Peabody (USMAPS)

6 Max DiDomenico S 6’0 215 Sr. Schertz, Texas / Samuel Clemens

82 Sean Donovan DL 6’1 280 Fr. Danbury, Conn. / The Hotchkiss School (USMAPS)

42 Ryan Dunfee OLB 6’3 228 Fr. Claremont, Calif. / Claremont

80 Brian Dyer TE 6’4 240 So. Plano, Texas / Plano East

48 Dom Esposito WR 5’8 176 Fr. Queen Creek, Ariz. / Higley (USMAPS)

98 Matthew Faulk P 6’0 188 Fr. Mill Creek, Wash. / Archbishop Murphy (USMAPS)

60 Connor Finucane OL 6’4 315 Sr. Baton Rouge, La. / Catholic

30 Brennan Fisher RB 5’11 239 Fr. Perkasie, Pa. / Pennridge (USMAPS)

40 Eric Ford OLB 6’3 240 Jr. Laurel, Md. / Landon School (USMAPS)

53 Kalib Fortner ILB 6’1 220 Jr. Knoxville, Tenn. / Central (USMAPS)

4 Liam Fortner WR 6’1 203 Jr. Knoxville, Tenn. / Central (USMAPS)

54 Matt Gemma DL 6’1 295 Fr. Flemington, N.J. / Delbarton (USMAPS)

71 Paolo Gennarelli OL 6’1 310 So. Campton Hills, Ill. / St. Charles North High (USMAPS)

36 Brett Gerena ILB 6’0 230 Sr. Valrico, Fla. / Jesuit

83 Matthew Gibbons P 6’0 214 Jr. San Antonio, Texas / Louis D. Brandeis High

11 Ben Gibbs SB 5’8 191 Fr. Maiden, N.C. / Maiden (USMAPS)

98 Deshontez Gray DL 6’3 265 Jr. Gaston, S.C. / Pelion (USMAPS)

29 Carlos Griffin S 5’10 188 Fr. Phoenix, Ariz. / Saguaro (USMAPS)

96 Trey Gronotte K 6’0 196 Sr. Crestview Hills, Ky. / Covington Catholic

17 Jaxon Hammond CB 5’10 170 So. Memphis, Tenn. / Christian Brothers

62 Andrew Hardwich OL 6’2 274 Fr. Danville, Ky. / Boyle County (USMAPS)

52 Kody Harris-Miller DL 6’1 301 So. Middletown, Del. / Middletown (USMAPS)

3 Cale Hellums QB 5’10 203 So. Tomball, Texas / Tomball (USMAPS)

70 Braeden Helmkamp OL 6’5 284 Fr. Washington, Pa. / Trinity

87 Josh Horton WR 6’2 222 Fr. Marietta, Ga. / Osborne (USMAPS)

90 Bryson Hosea K 5’11 172 Fr. Roswell, Ga. / Blessed Trinity Catholic (USMAPS)

9 Robert Houston CB 5’10 176 Fr. Cincinnati, Ohio / St. Xavier (USMAPS)

27 Samari Howard SB 5’7 182 So. Temple, Texas / Temple High (USMAPS)

70 David Hoyt OL 6’4 305 Sr. Tampa, Fla. / Tampa Catholic (USMAPS)

97 Jake Hulstein K 6’1 225 Fr. Cedar Falls, Iowa / Cedar Falls (USMAPS)

59 Will Jeffcoat OL 6’2 304 Sr. Pelion, S.C. / Pelion

66 Chuck Johnson OL 6’3 300 Fr. Fort Worth, Texas / All Saints Episcopal (USMAPS)

52 Joseph Johnson OL 6’5 251 Fr. Snohomish, Wash. / Glacier Peak (USMAPS)

85 Aiden Jones DL 6’2 262 Fr. Florence, Ky. / Covington Catholic (USMAPS)

90 Dawson Jones K 5’11 178 Fr. Waxhaw, N.C. / Marvin Ridge

53 Bill Katsigiannis OL 6’1 290 Sr. Katy, Texas / Katy

29 Jack Kayser SB 5’7 174 Fr. Austin, Texas / Westlake

2 Chance Keith NB 5’11 200 Sr. Biloxi, Miss. / Biloxi

69 Tyler Klambara OL 6’4 326 Fr. Springfield, Pa. / Springfield (USMAPS)

75 Kyle Kloska OL 6’2 293 So. Grand Rapids, Mich. / West Catholic / Central Michigan

20 Tim Kloska RB 5’11 234 Fr. Grand Rapids, Mich. / West Catholic (USMAPS)

17 Luke Knight QB 5’9 194 Fr. Wesley Chapel, Fla. / Wiregrass Rach

18 Chace Knox WR 5’8 167 Fr. Wilmington, Del. / The Haverford School

20 Casey Larkin NB 6’0 189 Jr. Brielle, N.J. / Wall (USMAPS)

92 Landon Laskey TE 6’3 228 Fr. Edinboro, Pa. / General McLane (USMAPS)

92 Jack Latore DL 6’5 275 Jr. Middletown, N.J. / Middletown South

77 Jordyn Law OL 6’4 290 Sr. Nashville, Tenn. / Pike (USMAPS)

86 Peyton Ledford DL 6’1 285 Fr. Frankfort, Ky. / Franklin County (USMAPS)

56 Tyler Lee

/ Oak Mountain (USMAPS)

/

/

/ Camden County

68 Josh Manecke OL 6’7 294 Fr. Downers Grove, Ill. / Downers Grove South

19 CJ Martin NB 6’1 185 Fr. Ironton, Ohio / Ironton (USMAPS)

30 Collin Matteson S 6’0

James Rothstein

6’5

Glacier (USMAPS)

/ Deerfield Academy

/ Auburn

/ East Paulding (USMAPS)

Fr. Pleasanton, Calif. / Amador Valley (USMAPS)

Campbell Sager OLB 6’4 236 Fr. Portland, Ore. / Westview (USMAPS)

50 Holden Sapp ILB 6’1 222 So. Rincon, Ga. / Benedictine Military School (USMAPS)

84 Cam Schurr WR 6’1 192 Sr. Alpharetta, Ga. / South Forsyth

65 Lucas Scott OL 6’3 305 Sr. Binghamton, N.Y. / Chenango Forks

10 Cole Searight NB 5’10 188 Fr. Waxhaw, N.C. / Marvin Ridge

2 Aden Self RB 5’11 213 Fr. Spring, Texas / The Woodlands

19 Sabastian Shannon RB 5’11 185 Jr. Las Vegas, Nev. / Bishop Gorman (USMAPS)

67 Wes Shaw OL 6’3 309 Fr. Tampa, Fla. / Jesuit (USMAPS)

14 Gavin Shields S 6’2 200 Jr. Pitman, N.J. / Red Lion Christian Academy (USMAPS)

15 Noah Short SB 6’0 182 Jr. San Jose, Calif. / The King’s Academy (USMAPS)

38 Corey Singleton Jr. RB 5’9 229 So. Baton Rouge, La. / Catholic (USMAPS)

51 Brady Small OL 6’0 313 So. Mt. Ephraim, N.J. / St. Augustine Preparatory School (USMAPS)

48 Carson Smith RB 6’0 239 So. Middletown, Md. / Middletown

94 Javon Smith DL 6’2 245 Fr. Kansas City Mo. / Liberty North (USMAPS)

67 Ryan Snipes LS 6’4 221 Fr. Roswell, Ga. / Blessed Trinity Catholic (USMAPS) 91 Trey Sofia DL 6’6 240 Sr. Austin, Texas / Lake Travis 32 JD Sparks S 5’10 197 So. Southlake, Texas / Southlake Carroll

Joseph Stephens NB 5’9 167 So. Jacksonville, Fla. / Fleming Island (USMAPS) 22 Miles Stewart RB 5’10 188 Sr. New Orleans, La. / Lusher Charter School (USMAPS)

91 Max Stober TE 6’6 264 Fr. Redondo Beach, Calif. / St. John Bosco (USMAPS)

96 Dillon Stowers DL 6’2

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Army Depth Chart

OFFENSE

LT 60 Connor Finucane 6-4, 315, Sr.

77 Jordyn Law 6-4, 290, Sr.

LG 53 Bill Katsigiannis 6-1, 290, Sr.

50 Braden Bartosh 6-2, 300, Jr.

C 51 Brady Small 6-0, 313, So.

75 Kyle Kloska 6-2, 293, So.

RG 71 Paolo Gennarelli 6-1, 310, So.

59 Will Jeffcoat 6-2, 304, Sr.

RT 61 Lucas Scott 6-3, 305, Sr.

58 Henry Appleton 6-2, 285, So.

QB 13 Bryson Daily 6-0, 221, Sr.

10 Dewayne Coleman 5-10, 190, Jr.

3 Cale Hellums 5-10, 203, So.

RB 8 Hayden Reed 6-0, 215, Jr.

33 Jake Rendina 5-11, 255, So.

48 Carson Smith 6-0, 239, So.

RB 22 Miles Stewart 5-10, 188, Sr.

86 Will Montesi 6-2, 210, Sr.

SB 15 Noah Short 6-0, 182, Jr.

21 Tyrell Robinson 5-9, 190, Sr.

27 Samari Howard 5-7, 182. So.

WR 4 Liam Fortner 6-1, 203, Jr.

87 Casey Reynolds 6-2, 192, Sr.

84 Cam Schurr 6-1, 192, Sr.

TE 85 David Crossan 6-3, 246, Sr.

44 Parker Poloskey 6-4, 240, So.

83 Teddy Williams 6-4, 257, So.

DEFENSE

DL 97 Dre Miller

6-3, 265, Sr.

91 Trey Sofia 6-6, 240, Sr.

NT 52 Kody Harris-Miller 6-1, 301, So.

93 Cody Winokur 6-2, 277, Sr.

54 Matt Gemma 6-1, 295, Fr.

DL 92 Jack Latore 6-5, 275, Jr. 98 Deshontez Gray 6-3, 265, Jr.

OLB 18 Elo Modozie 6-3, 245, So. 40 Eric Ford 6-3, 240, Jr.

OLB 2 Chance Keith 5-11, 200, Sr.

25 Josiah Banks 6-1, 210, Sr.

ILB 51 Andon Thomas 6-0, 222, Jr.

29 Adam Cash 5-11, 229, Sr.

ILB 53 Kalib Fortner 6-1, 220, Jr. 36 Brett Gerena 6-0, 230, Sr.

CB 28 Donavon Platt 6-0, 204, So. 5 Justin Weaver 5-11, 191, Jr.

SS 20 Casey Larkin 6-0, 189, Jr. 30 Collin Matteson 6-0, 191, Jr.

FS 6 Max DiDomenico 6-0, 215, Sr. 3 Stephen Nnadozie 5-11, 180, So.

CB 7 Jaydan Mayes 5-10, 183, So. 16 Damon Washington 5-11, 192, Sr.

SPECIAL TEAMS

P 46 James Wagenseller 6-3, 214, So.

K 96 Trey Gronotte 6-0, 196, Jr.

KO 96 Trey Gronotte 6-0, 196, Jr.

H 99 Matthew Rhodes 6-4, 214, Sr.

LS 55 Owen Walter 6-0, 222, So.

KR 21 Tyrell Robinson 5-9, 190, Sr. 22 Miles Stewart 5-10, 188, Sr.

PR 21 Tyrell Robinson 5-9, 190, Sr. 23 Lloyd Benson III 5-8, 190, So.

Paolo Gennarelli

Army Season Stats & Leaders

Max DiDomenico

Head Coach Jeff Monken

COACHING EXPERIENCE

Hawai’i

Arizona State

JEFF MONKEN

11th Year as Army Head Coach

15th Year Overall as Head Coach

Alma Mater: Millikin (1988)

Hometown: Peoria, Illinois

Record at Army: 81-57

Record as College HC: 117-73

Graduate Assistant (1989-90)

Graduate Assistant (1991)

Buffalo WRs / TEs / RC (1992-94)

Morton HS (IL)

Concordia (IL)

Head Coach (1995)

Head Coach (1996)

Georgia Southern Running Backs (1997-2001)

Navy Running Backs (2002-05)

Special Teams / RBs (2006-07)

Georgia Tech

Special Teams / RBs (2008-09)

Georgia Southern Head Coach (2010-13)

Army

Head Coach (2014 - Present)

Jeff Monken is currently in his 11th season at the helm of Army West Point football in 2024, being named the 37th individual head coach in program history on Dec. 24, 2013.

Monken shows a 117-73 career record as a head coach and a 81-57 mark at Army.

Monken has led Army to great success against the other service academies, winning 12 of the last 17 contests between Air Force and Navy, which includes winning six of the last eight vs. Air Force (2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024), and six of the last nine over Navy (2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2023).

Monken has captured four bowl-game victories (2016, 2017, 2018, 2021) and has led Army to win the Commander in Chief’s Trophy, a series among the other U.S. Service Academies, four times (2017, 2018, 2020, 2023) in the last eight seasons, also retaining the trophy in 2021. Since 2017, Monken and the Black Knights have enjoyed a 67-34 (.663) win-loss record, the best among the Service Academy programs.

Army Coaching Staff

Monken came to the banks of the Hudson River following a successful stint as head coach at Georgia Southern. He spent four seasons as head coach of the Eagles, authoring a 38-16 mark while qualifying for the NCAA FCS playoffs in all three eligible seasons under him.

He previously held positions at Hawaii, Arizona State, Buffalo, Navy and Georgia Tech before becoming a head coach at Georgia Southern.

A native of Joliet, Ill., Monken played wide receiver for four years and earned two varsity letters in track and field while earning his bachelor’s degree from Millikin University in 1989.

Monken and his wife Beth reside at West Point with their three daughters, Isabelle, Amelia and Evangeline.

ARMY WEST POINT ASSISTANT COACHES

JOHN LOOSE Assistant Head Coach/ Outside Linebackers

MIKE VITI Assistant Head Coach for Offense/OL

CHESTON BLACKSHEAR Tight Ends

SEAN CRONIN Defensive Line

DARRYL DIXON Defensive Pass Game Coordinator/CBs

MATT DRINKALL Offensive Line

BLAKE POWERS Running Backs

DANE ROMERO Slot Backs AARON SMITH Wide Receivers

DANNY VERPAELE Safeties JUSTIN WEAVER Inside Linebackers

CODY WORLEY Offensive Coordinator/ Quarterbacks NATE WOODY Defensive Coordinator SEAN SATURNIO Special Teams Coordinator

Mission Statement:

United States Military Academy at West Point

LIEUTENANT GENERAL STEVEN W. GILLAND

SUPERINTENDENT

United States Military Academy at West Point

To educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army.

History:

The United States Military Academy (USMA), established in 1802, is renowned for producing exceptional leaders. Situated in West Point, New York, the Academy was initially founded by President Thomas Jefferson to train officers for the rapidly expanding army. Throughout its history, West Point has evolved, adapting to the changing needs of the nation’s defense. USMA has consistently upheld its mission of educating, training, and inspiring cadets to become leaders of character, prepared to serve their country with honor and distinction. The Academy’s rich history links its graduates as part of a Long Gray Line, and those graduates have played an integral part in the nation’s history.

The Corps of Cadets:

At the United States Military Academy, all students are called cadets. The student body is referred to as the Corps of Cadets. The Corps of Cadets simulates and operates much like an active-duty Army unit. Cadets are responsible for running day-to-day operations under the supervision of a professional military staff who work for the Commandant of Cadets. This professional military staff is known as the Brigade Tactical Department (BTD). The Commandant’s staff contains other elements who work hand-in-hand with the BTD in developing and mentoring cadets on their path to becoming leaders of character dedicated to the ideals of duty, honor, and country.

Military Program:

The purpose of the military program is to instill in cadets the foundational military competencies necessary to serve and win in a complex world while inspiring them to professional excellence. The program is overseen by the Commandant of Cadets and administered by a team of military and civilian professionals dedicated to building, educating, training, and inspiring the Corps of Cadets to be commissioned leaders of character committed to the Army Values and ready for a lifetime of service to the Army and Nation.

Army West Point Athletics

MIKE BUDDIE

DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

United States Military Academy at West Point

Mike Buddie is in his fifth year as the Director of Athletics at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Buddie continues to spearhead the mission of the athletic department of developing leaders of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country through initiatives that support the Cadet-Athletes and their 47-month experience at West Point.

Cadet-Athletes have flourished in athletic competitions and in the classroom featuring four Rhodes Scholars, 11 conference championships & NCAA postseason appearances and 12 Patriot League Coach of the Year honorees through Buddie’s first four seasons.

In December 2023, it was announced that the initial private funding necessary to break ground in the Spring of 2024 on the Michie Stadium Preservation Project was secured.

Buddie was announced as Army West Point’s new director of athletics on May 22, 2019 and arrived at West Point from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina.

Buddie had a successful four-year tenure leading the Paladins to a major resurgence on and off the field. Before Furman, Buddie spent a decade at Wake Forest University where he oversaw several different areas with the Demon Deacons.

Buddie is a 1993 graduate of Wake Forest and was drafted by the New York Yankees in the fourth round of the 1992 Major League Baseball draft. During his career, Buddie was a pitcher for the New York Yankees and the Milwaukee Brewers from 1998 to 2002 and was a member of the Yankees’ 1998 World Series championship team.

A native of Berea, Ohio, Buddie and his wife, Traci, have two children, Zachary and Zoe.

ACADEMY TRADITIONS

Class Rings

USMA Traditions

West Point was the first college to introduce the concept of class rings; the first class to receive rings was the Class of 1835. It has been a time-honored tradition ever since. At the beginning of the year, Firsties receive their class rings during the Ring Weekend ring ceremony. Following the ceremony, the Plebes from each company lie in wait to serenade them with a funny verse called The Ring Poop to celebrate their new rings. A new ring tradition was born when LTC Ron Turner, a West Point graduate, had the idea for the Class Ring Memorial Program. Donated rings from previous classes are melted down and added to the gold used to make new class rings. The graduating Class of 2002 was the first class to receive rings that contained gold from the rings of past graduates.

Class Motto and Class Crest

Although the first class to have a motto graduated in 1835, not all classes had mottoes until the Class of 1958 (’58 Sure is Great). Currently, a new class will choose their motto during Cadet Basic Training and will reveal it on the last day before marching back to the cadet area in August. The Class Ring and Crest Committee (one representative per company) will work on the design of their crest during the fall of their Plebe year, with the goal to unveil it in March.

Spirit Missions

Cadets encounter stress in many areas, and sometimes they think of creative pranks to show their school spirit. This could be manifested in hanging posters where they normally wouldn’t be seen, relocating an exchange midshipman’s belongings during Army – Navy Week, or placing sticky notes all over a car. Unlike moving a cannon over 100 years ago or painting buildings, Spirit Missions should be non-permanent and completed with a risk assessment to practice those skills needed as an Army leader.

MILITARY TRADITIONS

March Back

After the New Cadets finish their basic training at Lake Frederick, they march approximately 12 miles back to the main post of West Point. They are in full Army gear and have their rucksacks. To show their support, members of the Long Gray Line join them as they march. Family, friends, and staff as well as people who live on Post line the streets to welcome the New Cadets back. They make signs and wave flags to cheer them on. It is a big celebration to mark their completion of Beast Barracks.

Sandhurst

The annual Sandhurst Military Skills Competition usually takes place in April at the U.S. Military Academy (USMA). The competition has undergone multiple changes since it started in 1967. It is currently a two-day competition featuring teams from West Point, Army ROTC units across the U.S., all service academies, and 14 international teams from across the globe.

CONTINUING OUR RETURN TO CONTINUING OUR RETURN TO

EXCELLENCE

Exciting transformations are underway at Southern Trace Country Club and our members will soon experience them! We’re improving our raquet sports and raising the bar by elevating our member dining to the same exceptional standard set by our state-of-the-art fitness center, premier golf course, top-tier practice facility and indoor golf simulator. Opening soon is our brand-new bar, screened terrace offering stunning views of holes 9 and 18, along with expanded casual, private and fine dining options – exclusively for our valued members.

Committee Chairs

ERIC BARKLEY

Past Chair Relations/ VIP Services/Hotel Welcomes

NOT PICTURED:

Dr. Michael Angelo, Member Tailgate Party

Robb Brazzell, Parking

Simmie Brown, Security / Traffic Flow

Moss Duvall, Trophy Presentation

Derris Gardner, Player Hospitality

Vince Giglio, North Hospitality Tents

Eric Harper, Team Host

Emerie Holtzclaw, Coca-Cola Fan Fest

Charles Hymes, Independence Stadium

Jamie Lopez, Welcome Party

Greg Lott, 2nd Vice-Chair / Hospitality

John McCorkle, Mardi Gras Preview Parade

Shirleen McCorkle, Mardi Gras Preview Parade

Dr. Tonya Mister, Div. Chair – Public Events

Jenna Rambin, Independence Stadium

Abbey Rubel, Ladies Day Out

Richard Sipes, Ushers

Carla Stewart, Club Level

Peggy Swindle, Parking

Tyler Williams, Team Host

Scott Wysong, Div. Chair – Ext. Affairs, Marketing / Membership Development

PAM BECK Transportation, Housing, Communication

TIM BECKIUS Security, Traffic Flow

ROLAND BERNARDEZ Member Tailgate Party

DOUG BLAND Officials ‘ Hospitality

ROGER BRANIFF, SR. Photography

ROGER BRANIFF, JR. Videography

KEITH BURTON 1st Vice-Chair/ Game Management JEFF BUTLER Kids Welcome Party, High-Five Tunnel

DAVID CAMP North Hospitality Tents

ART CARMODY IV Speaker’s Bureau

ED CATES Game Management

TAMMY CATES Band Host, Battle of the Bands

JOE DARWIN Hospitality

SARAH GIGLIO Vice-Chair/ Ladies Day Out TREY GIGLIO BAFB Team Tours/ VIP Services

TONI GOODIN Hospitality/ Team Host

LAURA HARPER Team Host

JAMIE HILBURN Kids Day Out PESKY HILL Bradley/Mikovich Awards

KILE JOHNSON Flyover/Honor Guard/ Trophy Escorts

MEKKOS JONES On-Field Promotions/ Script, Run-of-Show

LOGAN LEWIS On-Field Promotions/ Script, Run-of-Show

MELISSA MAINIERO Team Non-Profit Visits

VICTOR MAINIERO Special Events, Team Non-Profit Visits

PHYLLIS MASON Player Hospitality

PATRICK MEEHAN Media Hospitality

MICHAEL MELERINE Special Events, Team Host

JOHN DAVID PERSON Public Events STAN POWELL Game Management/ Signage Assistance

CLAIRE REBOUCHE Chair

DARRELL REBOUCHE Social Media

DAVID RICHARD Coca-Cola Fan Fest

ROB RUBEL Personnel Review/ Welcome Party

BERT SCHMALE Finance/Ext. Affairs, Marketing/Member Dev.

HAYDEN SLACK FCA Breakfast CINDY SMITH Pre-Game Huddle

PHIL STEWART Club Level

PHILLIP WARDELL Trophy Presentation

TIM WILHITE National Strategy/Top Sponsor Golf

Independence Bowl Foundation

ECONOMIC IMPACT

THE INDEPENDENCE BOWL FOUNDATION

The Shreveport-Bossier City Sports Foundation took over the operations of the Independence Bowl in 1980, and since that time, the Independence Bowl has enjoyed steady growth and success. Now known as the Independence Bowl Foundation, this organization consists of more than 60 volunteer committees, which carry out all functions of the Foundation, drawing upon its more than 350 members. Also made up from the Foundation membership is a group of committees which put on the Independence Bowl.

Each year, a newly appointed Bowl Chair and Vice-Chair, along with the Executive Director and her staff, oversee the various committees, working closely with each committee chairperson to see that this historic bowl is a success. As a member of the Independence Bowl Foundation, you are invited to social events during the year, like our annual Crawfish Boil, Fish N’ Football, and Big Game Welcome Party. In addition, you will receive a parking pass, and exclusive information and opportunities. Membership in the Independence Bowl Foundation is an investment in the present and of the 11th most historic bowl game in college football.

The mission of the Independence Bowl Foundation is to help enhance the economic impact and growth of our community by attracting and providing quality, nationally recognized football competition. In 2023, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl provided just over $9 million in direct and indirect spending to the area, and when including overall exposure value, the overall economic impact of the Bowl was over $30 million.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

The Independence Bowl is more than just a one-day event, and despite all the fun and exciting events the Foundation puts on during the week leading up to the big game, the goal is to give back to our tremendous Shreveport-Bossier community 365 days a year.

Whether it be the Kickoff Dinner, an annual event at the Shreveport Convention Center featuring guest speakers who are stars in the football world or the free annual Youth Football Clinic for hundreds of kids, the Independence Bowl Foundation enjoys hosting events for the public, even before college football season kicks off. The Independence Bowl Foundation enjoys being a part of the Shreveport-Bossier City community and giving back to the community that has supported the Bowl for almost 50 years.

WILLIS-KNIGHTON HEALTH COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP

For the past 19 years, the Independence Bowl Foundation has partnered with the Willis-Knighton Health System to provide $5,000 in scholarships. Each year, the two organizations partner to present a $2,500 scholarship each to graduating seniors from Caddo and Bossier Parishes.

The scholarship is awarded based not only on academic success, but also on a commitment to improving their community through service. This year will mark $95,000 in scholarships donated through this program.

To read about this year’s recipients, turn to page 120.

YOUTH FOOTBALL CLINIC

The 13th annual Youth Football Clinic, presented by Whataburger, hit the Independence Stadium field in June! The annual clinic is FREE for boys and girls aged 5-13. In 2024, campers learned from Centenary head coach Byron Dawson and coaches and staffers from LSU, Louisiana Tech, ULM, Northwestern State, Sam Houston State, Centenary and Southern-Shreveport.

EXTRA YARD FOR TEACHERS

The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl has gone the extra yard to support teachers and education since 2021 – donating over $86,000 to local teachers and schools in Northwest Louisiana since 2021.

This year, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl donated $1,000 to local educators on the Extra Yard for Teachers BIG DAY in September, but that is just the beginning! The bowl will honor 16 local teachers nominated by local fans with $1,000 each at the 2024 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.

Following 2024’s donations to local educators, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl will have donated over $100,000 to local teachers over the past four years!

“SHOW YOUR INDEPENDENCE” ART CONTEST

The “Show Your Independence” Art Contest started 11 years ago, which asks local kids K-12 to draw what the word “Independence” means to them. First through third place is awarded to students at each grade level. Those 36 students are awarded with two tickets to the Bowl, and their artwork is put on display at the game.

Foundation Members

Champion

Steven Davison

Champion

Thad & Rachel Thrash

Ambassador

Brian Beavers

Andrea Butler

David Dethloff

Robert Elder

John Evans

G. Archer Frierson, II

Tim Keeley

Ryan Lips

Larry Little

Doug Rogers

Chris Shankle

Richard Sipes

Cindy Smith

Greg Updyke

Advocate

Brian Ainsworth

Eric Barkley

Art Carmody IV

Lauren Chan

Darwyn Cooper

Tammy Daniels

Linda Effinger

Brad Golladay

Mike

Glenn Kinsey

Kirk Lavigne

Roy Prestwood

Wooldridge

Member

Mayor

Arceneaux

Atoms Cindy Aubrey

Auer Meghan Avallone

Parnell Ballengee

Tony Catanese

Taylor Caudle

Eugene Cazedessus III

Mayor Tommy Chandler Mario C. Chavez

Leanne Churchman

Sandy Cimino

Doug Bourgeois

Javin Bowman

McKenzy Boyd

Sandra Braddock

Tim Brando

Roger Braniff, Jr.

Roger Braniff, Sr.

Robb Brazzel

Ashley Brint

Annie Brown

Randall Brown

Stacy Brown

Erica Bryant

Keith Burton

Ryan Burton

Will Burton

Barry Busada

James Bustillo

Lawrence Calhoun

Cary Camp

David Camp

Diane Camp

Arthur Carmody III Arthur Carmody IV

Rodney Clements

Covington

Mark Crews

Crouch

Gerard Daigle

Ashli Dansby

Joe Darwin

Byron Day

Jim Dean

Lindsay Dean Kirsten DeMoss

Justin Dewett

Dianna Douglas

Danielle Dowden

Shane Dulany

Glynn Duncan

Denny Duron

Moss Duvall

Sabrina Edwards

Curtis Elkins

Gen. Jon Ellis

Johnathan Emory

Joel Fair

Christopher W. Fitzgerald

Jill Folks

Crystal Folsom

Colin Fontenot

Hardy Foreman

David Foret

Jarred Franklin

John Frazier

Jana Freeman Forrest

George Fritze

Derris Gardner

Alan Germany

Sarah Giglio

Trey Giglio

Vincent Giglio

Tony Gilley

Toni Goodin

Jimmy Gosslee

Stephanie Green

Tobin Grigsby

Otto Grozinger

Jimmy Hale

Emily Harms

Eric & Laura Harper

Pat Harrington

Lance R. Hauth

Jerry Hendrix

Ashley Henning-Clark

Jim & Sandi Hill

Member (Continued)

Pesky Hill

Rick Holland

Marion (Lee) Holmes

Randy Holmes

Parnell Holt

Brian Horn

Ike House

Robin House

Mitch Houston

Ben Israel

Tabetha Jackson

Randy James

Taylor Jamison

Lisa Janes

Cate Jean

Kile & Kristi Johnson

Lyndon Johnson

Lisa Johnson

Sarah Jones

Dr. Ben Kacos

Fred Kent

Patrick Kirton

Cody King

Lauren Knicely

Jack Knotek

Jerry Kutz

Richard Lamb III

Lance R. Laverdiere

Greg Lawrence

Jeffrey Ledoux

Al LeGrand

Logan Lewis

Jonathan Little

Joe Littlejohn

Greg Lott

Katie MacMurray

Dr. Tim Magner

Dianglo Mahoney

Victor & Melissa Mainiero

Jay Manno

John Manno

Ron Marrus

Maggie Martin

Phyllis Mason

Kelsey Matlock

Peyton Mayeaux

Steve Mayfield

Fraser McAlpine

Mike & Judy McCarthy

Craig McCloud

Renee’ McCuller

Dan McCuller

Ian McElroy

Kyle C. McInnis

Robert McMillan

Michael Melerine

Paul Merkle

Lola Mikovich Medlin

Bill & Debbie Miller

Herb Miller

Toney Miller

Somer Miller

Dr. LaTonya Mister

Marla Mitchell

John Montelepre III

John Montelepre, Jr.

Robert Moon

Gary Moore, Jr.

Michael Moore

Deanna Morse

Denny Moton

Sara Nelms

George Nelson, Jr.

Brad Nichols

Kevin Nolten

Grant Nuckolls

Billy Nungesser

Amy O’Callaghan

Maureen O’Neal

Tom Ostendorf

Mike Owens

Barbara Palmer Pou

Tony Papa

Boyd Parker

Michael Pastore

Ben Pattillo

Amber Patton

Keith Payne

Barrow Peacock

Geoffrey Perego

John David Person

Markey Pierre

Charlie Pippen

Deb Poore

Mark Porter

Dr. Donald Posner

Stan Powell

Marc Price

Shelly Ragle

Peter Ramsey

Claire Rebouche

Darrell Rebouche

Lee Reilly

Jonathan Reynolds

Tammy Rhodes

Joshua Robinson

David Rockett

Lacy Rodgers

Tag Rome

Jason Romero

Armand Roos

Bryan Roppolo

Lane & Maurie Rosen

Rob Rubel

Chuck Sartori

Carey Schimpf

Bert Schmale

Linda Sell

Ross Setters

John Settle

Andrew Shankle

Margaret Shehee

Joanne Sigler

Sam Silverblatt

Benjamin Simmons

Ranae Simmons

Jayce Simpson

George Sirven

Hayden Slack

Miranda Small

David & Carolyn Smith

William Smith

Steven Stringer

Amy Sudduth

Cedric Thomas

Meagan Thomas

Mike Toland

Robert Touchstone

Tracy Toups

Taylor Tuttle

Robert VanHoy

Clay Walker

Jason Waltman

Kristy Waltman

Phillip Wardell

Nick Weaver

Lisa Wellborn

Steve White

Greg Whittington

Mark Wilburn

Keith Wilhite

Tim Wilhite

Ashlynn Williams

Dawn Williams

Marcus Williams

Tyler Williams

Marcus Wren

Scott Wysong

Associate

Mark Bauer

Keith Bergeron

Eric Harper, Jr.

Jacob Harrell

Parnell Holt

Chico Hull

Ellington Joffrion

Dr. Donna Johnson

Mekkos Jones

Hal Lancon

John McCorkle

Shirleen McCorkle

Peggy Mitchell

Phelicia Neal

Jamie Ridge

Heath Roberts

Caleb Ward

Corporate Partners

TITLE SPONSOR

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

CHIEF OF STAFF

5-STAR GENERAL

Caddo Parish Commission Louisiana Seafood Willis-Knighton Sports Medicine

KSLA News 12

Michael’s Fine Jewerly

Louisiana Casino & Hotel

Mike & Judy McCarthy

The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate Tickets for Less Townsquare Media

Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission Wilhite Electric

MIKE & JUDY MCCARTHY

Corporate Partners

4-STAR GENERAL

Calumet

C.F. Biggs Company, Inc.

Cintas

Cubby Hole Louisiana

FireTech Systems

KSM Marketing Agency

KTAL/KMSS

KTBS/KPXJ

Mahindra Environmental

Martin Specialty Coatings

MGroup Environmental & Transportation

Miracle Radio

Module X Solutions

Morehead Pools

Music Mountain Water

Pizza Hut

Porter’s Fine Dry Cleaning

Romph Pou Agency

Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino

Shreveport Convention Center

Shreveport Rubber & Gasket Co.

Southland Printing

Squire Creek Country Club

Whataburger

Wholesale Electric Supply

Wieland

Willis-Knighton Health

3-STAR GENERAL

2 John’s Steak & Seafood

Ace Digital

AEP Foundation/SWEPCO

AEP SWEPCO

Air Force Sergeant Association

Amanda & Kirk Lavigne

B1 Bank

Barksdale Federal Credit Union

Bistro To Go

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Louisiana

Bonvenue Bank

Bossier Chamber of Commerce

Bossier Press Tribune

Carter Credit Union

Chase Bank

Commercial Power Equipment

Conterra Networks

Cuban Liquor & Wine Co.

Dethloff Insurance

Diesel Driving Academy

Dillas Quesadillas

Down Home Meats

Eagle Distributing

East Ridge Country Club

Fleaux Services

Flying Heart Brewing & Pub

Golf Carts of Louisiana

Goodwill

Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce

Hamm Mechanical

Heard, McElroy & Vestal

Hilton Shreveport

Home Federal Bank

Honeybaked Ham Company

Innovative Office Systems

Jacquelyn’s Cafe

Jean Simpson

Johnny’s Catfish & Seafood

KASO/KBEF

KGAS Radio

Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home

KMHT Radio

Krewe of Gemini

Louisiana Downs

Louisiana Smokehouse

Margaritaville Resort Casino

Otto Grozinger/NY Life

Pelican Tent Rentals

Pork & Fork

Progressive Bank

Raymond James

RC Moon Enterprises/Little Debbie

Residence Inn Shreveport-Bossier

Rhino Coffee

Shaver’s Crawfish & Catering

Shreveport Dental Solutions

Shreveport Security Systems

Sign at Work

Sonic

Southern Trace Country Club

Sports World

Superior Grill

Texas Roadhouse

The Payne Company

The Remington Suite

Thrifty Liquor

Ticket Smarter

Trinity Operating Corporation

UL Coleman

Universal Plumbing

VIP Travel

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux

Corporate Partners

2-STAR GENERAL

Bernard Insurance

Cardinaux Wealth Advisors

CenterPoint Energy

Community Bank of Louisiana

CRM Studios

D1 Sports Training

Fairfield Studios

First Security Title of Monroe

Fleming Subway

Focus SB

Fred Kent

Glass Services

JD Mechanical Equipment

Johnny’s Pizza

Linda Sell, CPA

Little Works in Progress

Lusk Eye Specialists

McDonald’s/Gilley Enterprises

MersaTech

Moose’s Tree Service

On The Geaux Catering

Osborne Funeral Home

P2i Real Estate

Ranchland Uniforms

Reddy Ice Distributing

Regions Bank

Sci-Port Discovery Center

Signature Aviation

Southern Research

SportsCards Louisiana

SportsTalk 97.7

The Think Network

Tony Chachere’s

Tynes, Burke & Associates

Windhorn Productions

1-STAR GENERAL

Bernard Insurance

Harrington House

Law Offices of Jarred Franklin

Sugar Walk Popcorn

Carl Mikovich Sportsperson of the Year

2024 RECIPIENT: SETH LUGO

The Carl Mikovich “Sportsperson of the Year” Award annually highlights some of the greatest athletes and sports figures from the local area who have shined a light on Shreveport-Bossier City through their contributions on and off the field.

Kansas City Royals star pitcher Seth Lugo will be honored as the 39th recipient of the Carl Mikovich Sportsperson of the Year Award at the 2024 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on Saturday, December 28 at 8:15 p.m. CST.

"It's an honor to be named Carl Mikovich Sportsperson of the Year!" exclaimed Lugo. "As someone from Shreveport-Bossier, it is really special to be recognized with this award, especially with all of the talent that has come out of the area."

Lugo, 34, just completed his ninth season in Major League Baseball (MLB), and it was the best season of his career. In his first season with the Royals, the Parkway High School product won the Gold Glove Award for American League (AL) pitchers, was named to the AL All-Star team and All-MLB Second Team, and was named one of the three finalists for the AL Cy Young Award – given to the best pitcher in the AL.

Lugo won a career-high 16 games with a 3.00 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 3.25 FIP and 181 strikeouts in a career-high 206.2 innings. He ranked seventh in pitching WAR, 10th in ERA, tied for third in wins, second in innings pitched, 10th in FIP and fifth in ERA+. In nine seasons in the big leagues, the former Centenary Gent has a record of 56-40 with a 3.38 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 3.57 FIP and 829 strikeouts in 847.2 innings.

"Seth [Lugo] embodies what this award is all about. His hard work and perseverance show young kids from our area what you can accomplish when you put your mind to it, both on and off the field," said 2024 Independence Bowl Foundation Chair Claire Rebouche. "We are very proud of all the accomplishments and accolades Seth has earned, and we are thrilled to add to that list with the 2024 Carl Mikovich Sportsperson of the Year Award."

The path to stardom was not easy for Lugo. After pitching in just eight games in his freshman year at Centenary College, Lugo met with then-associate head coach Mike Diaz, who planned to kick him off the team. Lugo asked him for another chance, and it was granted. He went on to post a career 5.36 ERA in three seasons at Centenary before becoming a 34thround pick in the 2011 MLB Draft by the New York Mets.

LIST OF RECIPIENTS

1983 Hal Sutton Freddie Spencer

1984 John Franks

1985 Mike McCarthy

1986 George Dement

1987 Ken Hanna

1988 Taylor Moore

1989 Chick Childress

1990 Orvis Sigler

1991 Dr. Billy Bundrick

1992 Tim Brando

1994 Hazel Beard

1995 Terry Slack 1996 Red Franklin 1997 David Toms 1998 Todd Walker 1999 Joby O’Gwynn 2000 Bob Griffin

2001 Meredith Duncan

2002 Arnez Battle

2003 Alana Beard

2004 Brock Berlin

2006 Albert Crews

2007 Scott Baker

2008 B.J. Ryan

2009 Herman Vital

2010 Matt Brown

2011 Dr. Kyle Pierce

2012 Kendrick Farris

2013 Morris Claiborne

2014 Sam Burns

2015 Phillip Barbaree, Jr.

2018 Ryan Harrison

2019 Dak Prescott

2021 Joe Delaney

2022 Mikaylah Williams

2023 Hayden Travinski

2024 Seth Lugo

After being the 1,032nd player selected in the 2011 MLB Draft, Lugo pitched 46.2 innings in rookie ball for the Kingsport Mets, but he suffered another setback he needed to overcome after that season. Lugo missed the 2012 season after undergoing spinal fusion surgery. He returned to pitch in the minor leagues in 2013 and ground his way through the minor leagues, finally getting his chance in the MLB in 2016 at age 26. He pitched 64 innings – rotating between the starting rotation and the bullpen –for the Mets that season and posted a 2.67 ERA and 1.09 WHIP.

Lugo pitched for seven seasons for the Mets – serving as both a starter and bullpen arm the majority of that time. He was a very effective pitcher in his time in Queens. In seven years, he posted a 32-24 record with a 3.48 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 16 saves and 508 strikeouts in 494.2 innings. The Bossier City native finally got his chance as a fulltime starting pitcher in 2023 at the age of 33 – signing a two-year, $15 million deal with the San Diego Padres. Lugo showed he could be a great starter in the MLB by posting a 3.57 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 140 strikeouts over 146.1 innings with the Padres.

Following the 2023 season, Lugo declined his player option and signed the biggest contract of his MLB career – a two-year, $30 million deal with the Royals. Lugo and the Royals benefited, as he enjoyed the best season of his career while helping lead the Royals to their first playoff berth since 2015.

Lugo joins an esteemed list to have been honored with this award – including fellow MLB players Scott Baker (2007) and Todd Walker (1998); NFL players Joe Delaney (2021), Dak Prescott (2019), Morris Claiborne (2013) and Arnaz Battle (2002); professional golfers Sam Burns (2014), David Toms (1997) and Hal Sutton (1983); and sportscasters Bob Griffin (2000) and Tim Brando (1992).

Photo: Kansas City Royals

Photo: Kansas City Royals

Championship Coaches

Many of greatest coaches in the history of college football have walked the sidelines of Independence Stadium – including seven who have won National Championships. Below are the former Independence Bowl coaches who have one National Championships:

Hall of Famers

Some of football’s best players and coaches have participated in the Independence Bowl during it’s first 47 years, including the 26 College Football Hall of Famers and six Pro Football Hall of Famers listed below. Frank Solich is the latest addition to the list as a member of the 2024 College Football Hall of Fame Class. Solich coached twice in the Independence Bowl (Nebraska in 2002 and Ohio in 2012).

COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAMERS

PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAMERS

ESPn Broadcast team

LOWELL GALINDO Play-By-Play

Lowell Galindo is a play-by-play commentator and studio host across ESPN platforms, currently teaming up with analyst Fozzy Whittaker for Saturday college football on ESPN2 and ESPNU. Galindo was the lead anchor for Longhorn Network (2011-24) and joined ESPN in August 2007 as the new signature anchor for ESPNU.

In his previous role on LHN, Galindo hosted Longhorn Network’s signature shows Texas GameDay, Texas All-Access, Longhorn Extra and others. While leading studio coverage on ESPNU, Galindo’s assignments included hosting standalone specials and studio shows such as SportsCenterU, ESPNU Inside The Polls, ESPNU Coaches Spotlight, ESPNU Campus Connection and ESPNU Recruiting Insider. In addition, Galindo’s responsibilities included pre-game shows, halftimes and postgame hosting duties for many of ESPNU’s live events.

Prior to joining ESPNU, Galindo worked as a sports reporter and producer for WTTG-TV (Washington, D.C.), WWSB-TV (Sarasota, Fla.) and KSNF-TV (Joplin, Mo.). He also served as an intern for ESPN in 2002.

A native of San Antonio, Texas, Galindo was graduated from Emerson College in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism.

FOZZY WHITTAKER Color Analyst

Fozzy Whittaker is a college football color analyst for ESPN and currently forms a duo with play-by-play commentator Lowell Galindo for Saturday college football on ESPN2 and ESPNU.

Whittaker began his analyst career in 2018 with the Longhorn Network and Big 12 Radio. With Texas joining the SEC in 2024, he moved from the Longhorn Network to ESPN.

The 2024 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl will be broadcast on ESPN and has averaged 2.34 million viewers the past six years. It is the 48th playing of the bowl, and it will be the 32nd consecutive Independence Bowl televised on an ESPN network. The Independence Bowl Foundation and ESPN agreed to a six-year extension in 2020 that spans through the 50th Independence Bowl in 2025. 1992 was the first Independence Bowl televised on ESPN. Wake Forest defeated Oregon, 39-35.

Whittaker was a standout running back and returner at Texas from 2008 to 2011 and was a part of the 2009 Longhorns team that won the Big 12 Championship and went to the BCS National Championship Game. He was selected First-Team All-Big 12 in 2011 and holds several Texas records for kickoff returns. After his college career, Whittaker played from 2013 to 2018 in the National Football League (NFL) for the San Diego Chargers, Cleveland Browns and, most notably, for the Carolina Panthers from 2014 to 2018. He was a part of the 2015 Panthers team that played in Super Bowl 50 against the Denver Broncos.

TORI PETRY

Sideline Reporter

Tori is an Emmy-nominated sports host, anchor, reporter, and writer based in Boulder, CO. She currently works as a sideline reporter for ESPN’s coverage of college football, primarily on the sidelines in the Big 12. She works in a freelance capacity after spending 7 years as the multimedia journalist for the Detroit Lions. There, she worked as a host, sideline reporter, and feature reporter for official Lions website, TV partners, stadium video boards and FOX Sports Detroit.

Prior to the Lions, she worked for media outlets including ESPN, espnW, WUFT-TV in Gainesville, Florida, and NBC’s Florida Sports Talk Radio. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Florida with a degree in Telecommunications and formerly interned at ESPN through the Association for Women in Sports Media.

Year-by-Year Results

Dec. 13, 1976

(O) Terry McFarland, McNeese State

(D) Terry Clark, Tulsa Dec. 17, 1977

(O) Keith Thibodeaux, Louisiana Tech

(D) Otis Wilson, Louisville Dec. 16, 1978

(O) Theodore Sutton,

(D) Zack Valentine, East

Dec. 15, 1979

(O) Joe Morris, Syracuse Skippy Shirley

Dec. 13, 1980

Dec. 12, 1981

Milton Chapman

Dec. 11, 1982

(D) Clay Carroll, McNeese State

(O) Stephen Starring, McNeese State

(D) Jerald Baylis, Southern Miss

(O) Gary Kubiak, Texas A&M

(D) Mike Green, Oklahoma State

(O) Randy Wright, Wisconsin

(D) Tim Krumrie, Wisconsin Dec. 10, 1983

(O) Marty Louthan, Air Force Tracy Jackson

Dec. 15, 1984

Dec. 21, 1985

Dec. 20, 1986

23,

15, 1990

29,

(D) Andre Townsend, Ole Miss

(O) Bart Weiss, Air Force

(D) Scott Thomas, Air Force

(O) Rickey Foggie,

(D) Bruce Holmes,

(O) Mark Young, Ole

(D) James Mosley, Texas

(O) Chris Chandler,

(D) David Rill,

(O&D) James Henry, Southern Miss

(O) Bill Musgrave,

(D) Chris Oldham,

(O) Michael Richardson, Louisiana Tech

(D) Lorenza Baker, Louisiana

(O) Andre Hastings, Georgia

(D) Torrey Evans, Georgia Dec. 31, 1992

Dec. 31, 1993

Dec. 28, 1994

Brown

Dec. 29, 1995

Mikovich

Dec. 31, 1996

Dec. 28, 1997

Antee

Dec. 31, 1998

Dec. 31, 1999

Dec. 31, 2000

Dec. 27,

Dec. 28, 2004

(O) Todd Dixon, Wake Forest

(D) Herman O’Berry,

(O) Maurice DeShazo, Virginia Tech

(D) Antonio Banks, Virginia Tech

(O) Mike Groh, Virginia

(D) Mike Frederick, Virginia

(O) Kevin Faulk, LSU

(D) Gabe Northern, LSU

(O) Dameyune Craig, Auburn

(D) Takeo Spikes, Auburn (D) Ricky Neal, Auburn

(O) Rondell Mealey,

(D) Arnold Miller, LSU

(O) Romaro Miller, Ole

(D) Kendrick Clancy, Ole

Josh Huepel,

(D) Tim Strickland,

Ja’Mar Toombs,

(D) Matt Word, Iowa State (D) Waine Bacon, Alabama

Eli Manning,

Chris Kelsay,

Cedric Cobbs,

(D) Caleb Miller, Arkansas

(O) Bret Meyer, Iowa State Jack Lee

(D) Nik Moser, Iowa State

Year-by-Year Results

Dec. 30, 2005

(O) Brad Smith, Missouri David

Dec. 28, 2008

Dec. 28, 2009

Toni Goodin

(D) Marcus King, Missouri

(O) Dantrell Savage, Oklahoma State

(D) Jeremy Nethon, Oklahoma State

(O) John Parker Wilson,

(D) Wallace Gilberry, Alabama

(O) Phillip Livas. Louisiana Tech

(D) Weldon Brown, Louisiana Tech

(O) Aron White, Georgia

(D) Geno Atkins, Georgia Dec. 27, 2010

(O) Jared Tew, Air Force Jim Hagan

Dec. 26, 2011

(D) Rick Ricketts, Air Force

(O) James Franklin, Missouri Fred Sexton Jr.

Dec. 28, 2012

Jack Andres

Dec. 31, 2013

John Hubbard

Dec. 27, 2014

26,

(D) Andrew Wilson, Missouri

(O) Beau Blankenship,

(O) Tyler Tettleton, Ohio (D) Keith Moore, Ohio

(O) B.J. Denker,

(D) William Parks, Arizona

(O) Pharoh Cooper,

(D)

(O) Isaiah Ford,

(D) Jeremy

(O) Jaylen Samuels,

(D) Airius Moore,

(D) Nate Andrews,

(O) Daniel Jones,

(D) Delvon Randall,

(O) Justin Henderson, Louisiana

(D) Connor Taylor, Louisiana Tech

(O) Tyler Allgeier, BYU

(D) Tyler Batty,

(O) Clayton Tune,

(D) Art Green,

(O) Behren Morton, Texas

(D) Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

Trond Grizzell (California, 2023)

Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech, 2023)

Behren Morton (Texas Tech, 2023)

Coaching & Conference Records

COACH SCHOOL

Steve Addazio Boston College

Frank Beamer Virginia Tech

Todd Berry ULM

Terry Bowden Auburn

Billy Brewer Ole Miss

Rich Brooks Oregon

Mack Brown Tulane

Troy Calhoun Air Force

Bill Clark UAB

Bobby Collins Southern

Jack Crowe Arkansas

David Cutcliffe Ole Miss/Duke

Bob Davie Notre Dame

Fisher DeBerry Air Force

Michael Desormeaux Louisiana

Manny

Jim Dickey Kansas

Dooley

Derek Dooley Louisiana Tech

Joe Krivak

Lambright

Joey McGuire

Philip

*Defunct League +Now a member of NCAA FCS

%No

Individual Records

Kevin Faulk, LSU

Independence Bowl Records:

• Rush Yards: 234

• Yards Per Carry: 9.4

• 2nd in All-Purpose Yards: 271

• 2nd in Yards From Scrimmage: 238

RUSHING

Most Attempts: 35, Ja’Mar Toombs, Texas A&M (2000 vs. Miss. State)

Most Net Yards:

234, Kevin Faulk, LSU (1995 vs. Michigan State)

Best Avg. Per Carry (min. 10 carries): 9.4, Kevin Faulk, LSU (1995 vs. Michigan State)

Most Yards by a Quarterback: 150, Brad Smith, Missouri (2005 vs. South Carolina)

PASSING

Most Attempts: 58, Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M (2009 vs. Georgia)

Most Completions: 39, Josh Heupel, Oklahoma (1999 vs. Ole Miss)

Most Net Yards: 423, Daniel Jones, Duke (2018 vs. Temple)

Most Interceptions Thrown: 5, Wade Hill, Arkansas (1991 vs. Arkansas)

Highest Completion Pct.: (min. 15 completions): 82.6, Dylan Hopkins, UAB (2021 vs. BYU)

Most Yards Per Completion: (min. 5 completions) 23.6, Tyler Tettleton, Ohio (2012 vs. ULM)

RECEIVING

Most Receptions:

12, T.J. Rahming, Duke (2018 vs. Temple) 12, Isaiah Ford, Virginia Tech (2015 vs. Tulsa) 12, Sidney Rice, South Carolina (2005 vs. Missouri)

Most Yards Receiving: 240, T.J. Rahming, Duke (2018 vs. Temple)

Highest Avg. Per Catch: (min. 3 catches) 54.0, Chase Cochran, Ohio (2012 vs. ULM)

SCORING

Most Touchdowns Responsible For: 6, Daniel Jones, Duke (2018 vs. Temple) (5 pass, 1 rush)

Most Touchdowns Rushing: 4, Beau Blankenship, Ohio (2012 vs. ULM)

Most Touchdowns Passing: 5, Daniel Jones, Duke (2018 vs. Temple)

Most Touchdowns Receiving:

3, Auden Tate, Florida State (2017 vs. Southern Miss) 3, Jaylen Samuels, NC State (2016 vs. Vanderbilt)

Most Field Goals: 4, Chris Balseiro, Arkansas (2003 vs. Missouri) 4, David Hardy, Texas A&M (1981 vs. Oklahoma St.)

Most PATs: 8, Collin Wareham, Duke (2018 vs. Temple)

Most Points by Kicker: 15, David Hardy, Texas A&M (1981 vs. Oklahoma St.)

Two-Point Conversions: 1, 13 times, most recently: Keyarris Garrett from Dane Evans, Tulsa (2015 vs. Virginia Tech)

PUNTING

Most Punts: 9, Brady Farlow, Louisiana Tech (2019 vs. Miami) 9, Louis Hedley, Miami (2019 vs. Louisiana Tech) 9, Terry McFarland, McNeese State (1976 vs. Tulsa)

Highest Average Per Punt: 48.8, Thomas Hibbard, North Carolina (2011 vs. Missouri)

PUNT RETURNS

Most Punt Returns: 8, DeJuan Groce, Nebraska (2002 vs. Ole Miss) 8, Thomas Lewis, Indiana (1993 vs. Virginia Tech)

Most Punt Return Yardage: 132, Greg Stroman, Virginia Tech (2015 vs. Tulsa)

Highest Average: 86, Javier Arenas, Alabama (2006 vs. Oklahoma State)

KICKOFF RETURNS

Most Kickoff Returns: 8, Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M (2009 vs. Georgia)

Most Kickoff Return Yardage: 157, Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M (2009 vs. Georgia)

Highest Average: 97, Phillip Livas, Louisiana Tech (2008 vs. Northern Illinois)

INTERCEPTIONS

Most Interceptions Made: 2, six times, most recently: Anthony Magee, Ole Miss (1998 vs. Texas Tech)

Most Interception Return Yardage: 99, Marcus King, Missouri (2005 vs. South Carolina)

TACKLES

Most Total Tackles: 24, Clay Carroll, McNeese State (1979 vs. Syracuse)

Most Sacks: 3, Chuck Wiley, LSU (1997 vs. Notre Dame) 3, James Gillyard, LSU (1995 vs. Michigan State) 3, James Mosley, Texas Tech (1986 vs. Ole Miss)

Daniel Jones, Duke

Independence Bowl Records:

• Most Passing Yards: 423

• Most Touchdowns Passing: 5

• Most TDs responsible for: 6

Most Tackles for Loss: 5, Wallace Gilberry, Alabama (2007 vs. Colorado)

LONGEST PLAYS

Longest Run From Scrimmage: 80, Deuce McAllister, Ole Miss (1999 vs. Oklahoma)

Longest Rushing Touchdown: 80, Deuce McAllister, Ole Miss (1999 vs. Oklahoma )

Longest Pass:

87, Randy Wright to Tom Stracka, Wisconsin (1982 vs. Kansas State)

Longest Passing Touchdown:

87, Randy Wright to Tom Stracka, Wisconsin (1982 vs. Kansas State)

Longest Field Goal:

52, Tommy Openshaw, Vanderbilt (2016 vs. NC State)

Longest Punt: 70, Jeff Dozier, Louisiana Tech (1978 vs. East Carolina)

Longest Punt Return: 86, Javier Arenas, Alabama (2006 vs. Oklahoma State)

Longest Punt Return for Touchdown: 86, Javier Arenas, Alabama (2006 vs. Oklahoma State)

Longest Kickoff Return:

100, Nyheim Hines, NC State (2016 vs. Vanderbilt) 100, Derrick Mason, Michigan State (1995 vs. LSU)

Longest Kickoff Return for Touchdown:

100, Nyheim Hines, NC State (2016 vs. Vanderbilt)

100, Derrick Mason, Michigan State (1995 vs. LSU)

Longest Interception Return: 99, Marcus King, Missouri (2005 vs. South Carolina)

Longest Interception Return for Touchdown: 99, Marcus King, Missouri (2005 vs. South Carolina)

Longest Fumble Return:

37, Gabe Northern, LSU (1995 vs. Michigan State)

Longest Fumble Return for Touchdown: 37, Gabe Northern, LSU (1995 vs. Michigan State)

Longest Return of Blocked Field Goal:

80, Antonio Banks, Virginia Tech (1993 vs. Indiana)

Longest Return of Blocked Field Goal for Touchdown: 80, Antonio Banks, Virginia Tech (1993 vs. Indiana)

RUSHING

Most Attempts: 73, Syracuse (1979 vs. McNeese State)

Fewest Attempts: 19, North Carolina (2011 vs. Missouri)

Most Yards: 337, Missouri (2011 vs. North Carolina)

Fewest Yards: 12, Louisiana Tech (1978 vs. East Carolina)

Highest Average Per Carry: 7.3, Missouri (2011 vs. North Carolina)

Lowest Average Per Carry: 0.4, Louisiana Tech (1978 vs. East Carolina)

PASSING

Most Attempts: 59, Texas A&M (2009 vs. Georgia)

Fewest Attempts: 7, Air Force (1984 vs. Virginia Tech) 7, Air Force (1983 vs. Ole Miss)

Most Completions: 39, Oklahoma (1999 vs. Ole Miss)

Fewest Completions: 4, East Carolina (1978 vs. Louisiana Tech)

Most Yards: 440, Duke (2018 vs. Temple)

Fewest Yards: 41, Georgia Tech (2010 vs. Air Force)

Most Passes Had Intercepted: 5, Arkansas (1991 vs. Georgia)

Highest Completion Percentage:

86.0, Air Force (1984 vs. Virginia Tech) 86.0, Air Force (1983 vs. Ole Miss)

Lowest Completion Percentage: 27.0, McNeese State (1976 vs. Tulsa)

Most Yards Per Completion: 23.2, McNeese State (1980 vs. Southern Miss)

Fewest Yards Per Completion: 5.1, Syracuse (1979 vs. McNeese State)

Team Records

TOTAL OFFENSE

Most Plays: 92, Texas A&M (2009 vs. Georgia)

Fewest Plays: 47, McNeese State (1979 vs. Syracuse)

Most Yards: 598, Virginia Tech (2015 vs. Tulsa)

Fewest Yards: 161, Louisville (1977 vs. Louisiana Tech)

Highest Average Yards Per Play: 9.1, Ohio (2012 vs. ULM)

Lowest Average Yards Per Play: 2.4, Louisville (1977 vs. Louisiana Tech)

SCORING

Most Touchdowns: 8, Duke (2018 vs. Temple)

Most Touchdowns Rushing: 5, Virginia Tech (2015 vs. Tulsa) 5, East Carolina (1978 vs. Louisiana Tech)

Most Touchdowns Passing: 5, Duke (2018 vs. Temple)

Most Interception Return Touchdowns: 1, six times, most recently: Temple (2018 vs. Duke)

Most Fumble Return Touchdowns: 1, four times, most recently: Texas Tech (1998 vs. Ole Miss)

Most Kickoff Return Touchdowns: 1, six times, most recently: NC State (2016 vs. Vanderbilt)

Most Punt Return Touchdowns: 2, Southern Miss (1988 vs. UTEP)

Blocked Punt Returned for Touchdown: 1, Tulsa (1989 vs. Oregon)

Blocked Field Goal Returned for Touchdown: 1, Virginia Tech (1993 vs. Indiana) 1, Tulsa (1976 vs. McNeese State)

Most Field Goals: 4, Arkansas (2003 vs. Missouri) 4, Texas A&M (1981 vs. Oklahoma State)

Most Points, Winning Team: 56, Duke (2018 vs. Temple)

Most Points, Losing Team: 52, Tulsa (2015 vs. Virginia Tech)

Largest Margin of Victory: 31, Ohio (2012 vs. ULM)

Fewest Points, Winning Team: 9, Air Force (1983 vs. Ole Miss)

Fewest Points, Losing Team: 0, Miami (2019 vs. Louisiana Tech)

Smallest Margin of Victory: 1, Alabama 14 vs. Iowa State 13 (2001)

Games Ending In A Tie: Louisiana Tech 34 vs. Maryland 34 (1990)

Most Points Scored in a Half: 45, Virginia Tech (2015 vs. Tulsa)

Most Points Scored in First Half: 45, Virginia Tech (2015 vs. Tulsa)

Most Points Scored in Second Half: 35, Duke (2018 vs. Temple)

Most Points Scored in One Half: 45, Virginia Tech (2015 vs. Tulsa, first half)

Most Points Scored in First Quarter: 24, Virginia Tech (2015 vs. Tulsa)

Most Points Scored in Second Quarter: 21, Virginia Tech (2015 vs. Tulsa) 21, Virginia Tech (1993 vs. Indiana)

Most Points Scored in Third Quarter: 21, Duke (2018 vs. Temple) 21, LSU (1995 vs. Michigan State) 21, Southern Miss (1988 vs. UTEP)

Most Points Scored in Fourth Quarter: 22, Army (1996 vs. Army)

Most Points Scored in a Quarter: 24, Virginia Tech (2015 vs. Tulsa, first quarter)

Most Points Scored in Overtime: 8, Mississippi State (2000 vs. Texas A&M)

FIRST DOWNS

Most First Downs: 30, Virginia Tech (2015 vs. Tulsa)

Fewest First Downs: 11, five times, most recently: TCU (1994 vs. Virginia)

Most First Downs Rushing: 20, Syracuse (1979 vs. McNeese State)

Fewest First Downs Rushing: 2, North Carolina (2011 vs. Missouri)

Most First Downs Passing: 20, Ole Miss (1986 vs. Texas Tech)

Fewest First Downs Passing: 1, Oklahoma State (1981 vs. Texas A&M)

Most First Downs by Penalty: 9, Oklahoma State (1981 vs. Texas A&M)

Fewest First Downs by Penalty: 0, 23 times, most recently: UAB (2021 vs. BYU)

Josh Heupel (Oklahoma, 1999)

Team Records

DEFENSE

Fewest Total Yards Allowed: 161, Louisiana Tech (1977 vs. Louisville)

Fewest Rushing Yards Allowed: 12, East Carolina (1978 vs. Louisiana Tech)

Fewest Passing Yards Allowed: 41, Air Force (2010 vs. Georgia Tech)

Fewest Points Allowed: 0, Louisiana Tech (2019 vs. Miami)

Fewest Touchdowns Allowed: 0, five times, most recently: Louisiana Tech (2019 vs. Miami)

Fewest Completions Allowed: 4, Louisiana Tech (1978 vs. East Carolina)

Lowest Completion Percentage Allowed: 27.0, Tulsa (1976 vs. McNeese State)

Most Pass Interceptions: 5, Georgia (1991 vs. Arkansas)

Most Interception Return Yards: 103, Missouri (2005 vs. South Carolina

Most Blocked Punts: Several teams tied at one

Fewest First Downs Allowed: 11, five times, most recently: Virginia (1994 vs. TCU)

Most Blocked Punts: Several teams tied at one

Most Turnovers Gained:

7, East Carolina (1978 vs. Louisiana Tech)

Most Quarterback Sacks:

7, LSU (1997 vs. Notre Dame) 7, Virginia Tech (1993 vs. Indiana)

Most Sack Yardage: 62, LSU (1997 vs. Notre Dame)

PUNTING

Most Punts: 9, Louisiana Tech (2019 vs. Miami) 9, Miami (2019 vs. Louisiana Tech) 9, McNeese State (1976 vs. Tulsa)

Fewest Punts:

1, BYU (2021 vs. UAB)

1, Oklahoma (1999 vs. Ole Miss)

1, Maryland (1990 vs. Louisiana Tech)

Highest Punting Average:

48.8, North Carolina (2011 vs. Missouri)

Lowest Punting Average: 10, Oklahoma (1999 vs. Ole Miss)

PUNT & KICKOFF RETURNS

Most Punt Returns:

8, Nebraska (2002 vs. Ole Miss) 8, Indiana (1993 vs. Virginia Tech)

Most Punt Return Yards: 132, Virginia Tech (2015 vs. Tulsa)

Most Kickoff Returns: 8, North Carolina (2011 vs. Missouri) 8, Texas A&M (2009 vs. Georgia)

Most Kickoff Return Yards: 177, South Carolina (2005 vs. Missouri)

Highest Punt Return Average: 86.0 (one return) Alabama (2006 vs. Oklahoma St.)

Highest Kickoff Return Average: 59.0, NC State (2016 vs. Vanderbilt)

FUMBLES

Most Fumbles: 8, Louisville (1977 vs. Louisiana Tech)

Fewest Fumbles: 0, 12 times, most recently: Florida State (2017 vs. Southern Miss)

Most Fumbles Lost: 6, Louisiana Tech (1978 vs. East Carolina)

Fewest Fumbles Lost: 0, 35 times, most recently: Houston (2022 vs. Louisiana)

PENALTIES

Most Penalties: 16, Tulsa (1976 vs. McNeese State)

Fewest Penalties: 0, Louisiana Tech (1978 vs. East Carolina)

Most Yards Penalized: 112, Virginia Tech (1984 vs. Air Force) Fewest Yards Penalized: 0, Louisiana Tech (1978 vs. East Carolina)

SCORING DRIVES

Longest Scoring Drives: 94 yds. in 12 plays, Boston College (2013 vs. Arizona)

Most Plays in Scoring Drives: 17 plays, 76 yds, Texas Tech (1986 vs. Ole Miss)

Fastest Score to Open the Game: 0:15, California (2023 vs. Texas Tech

Quickest Scoring Drives:

1 play, 25 yards, 5 secs, Cal (2023 vs. Texas Tech)

1 play, 75 yards, 12 secs, Virginia Tech (2015 vs. Tulsa)

1 play, 9 yards, 4 secs, Tulsa (2015 vs. Virginia Tech)

1 play, 2 yards, 4 secs, Georgia (2009 vs. Texas A&M)

1 play, 41 yds, 10 secs, Arkansas (2003 vs. Missouri)

1 play, 42 yds, 8 secs, Texas A&M (2000 vs. Miss. St.)

1 play, 80 yds, 13 secs, Ole Miss (1999 vs. Oklahoma)

1 play, 33 yds, 8 secs, Ole Miss (1998 vs. Texas Tech)

1 play, 3 yds, 5 secs, Virginia Tech (1984 vs. Air Force)

MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS

Record of Teams Leading at Halftime: 34-12

Ties at Halftime: 1990, Louisiana Tech 14 vs. Maryland 14

Tie Games: 1990, Louisiana Tech 34 vs. Maryland 34

Overtime Games: 2000, Miss. St. 43, Texas A&M 41

Largest Deficit Overcome by Winning Team: 21 pts Missouri vs. South Carolina (2005) Virginia Tech vs. Indiana (1993)

Monroe Young (California, 2023)

Bowl Participant Award Winners

DOAK WALKER AWARD

Presented for the first time in 1990 to honor the nation’s best running back among Division I-A juniors or seniors who combine outstanding achievements on the field, in the classroom and in the community. Sponsored by the GTE-Southern Methodist Athletic Forum in Dallas, Texas, a $10,000 scholarship is donated to the recipient’s university in his name. It is voted on by a 16-member panel of media and former college football standouts. The award is named after Doak Walker, SMU’s three-time consensus All-America halfback and 1948 Heisman Trophy winner.

1990 Greg Lewis, Washington

1992 Garrison Hearst, Georgia

2013* Andre Williams, Boston College

MAXWELL AWARD

First presented in 1937 to honor the nation’s outstanding college football player by the Maxwell Memorial Football Club of Philadelphia. The award is named after Robert “Tiny” Maxwell, a Philadelphia native who played at the University of Chicago as a lineman near the turn of the century.

2003 Eli Manning, Ole Miss

WALTER CAMP AWARD

First presented in 1967 to honor the nation’s outstanding college football player by the Walter Camp Foundation in balloting by Division I-A coaches and sports information directors. The award is named after Walter Camp, one of the founders of modern American football.

2000 Josh Heupel, Oklahoma

BUTKUS

AWARD

First presented in 1985 to honor the nation’s best collegiate linebacker by the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando, Fla. The award is named after Dick Butkus, two-time consensus All-American at Illinois and sixtime all-pro linebacker with the Chicago Bears.

2001 Rocky Calmus, Oklahoma

2009 Rolando McClain, Alabama

2010 Von Miller, Texas A&M

JIM THORPE AWARD

First presented in 1986 to honor the nation’s best defensive back by the Jim Thorpe Athletic Club of Oklahoma City. The award is named after Jim Thorpe, Olympic champion, two-time consensus All-American halfback at Carlisle and professional football player.

2001 Roy Williams, Oklahoma

BRONKO NAGURSKI AWARD

First presented in 1993 to honor the nation’s top collegiate defensive player by the Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte (N.C.) Touchdown Club. The award is named after Bronko Nagurski, consensus All-America tackle and running back at Minnesota in 1929, and a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2001 Roy Williams, Oklahoma

2014 Scooby Wright III, Arizona

2017 Bradley Chubb, NC State

DAVE RIMINGTON TROPHY

First presented in 2000 to honor the best center in college football, it is a member of the National College Football Awards Association. The trophy, named after University of Nebraska center Dave Rimington (197982), it serves as a fundraiser for the Boomer Esiason Foundation’s fight against cystic fibrosis.

2018 Garrett Bradbury, NC State

CHUCK BEDNARIK AWARD

Presented annually to the top defensive player in the nation, as voted on by the Maxwell Football Club. Voters for the Maxwell College Awards are NCAA Head College Football Coaches, members of the Maxwell Football Club & sportswriters and sportscasters from across the country. The award was first presented in 1995.

2014 Scooby Wright III, Arizona

ROTARY LOMBARDI AWARD

The Rotary Lombardi Award is hosted by the Rotary Club of Houston and benefits the American Cancer Society. The Award was initiated by the Rotary Club in 1970 shortly after the death of Vince Lombardi to cancer. The Rotary Lombardi Award goes annually to the college football lineman who, in addition to outstanding performance and ability, best exemplifies the discipline of Vince Lombardi.

2014 Scooby Wright III, Arizona

OUTLAND TROPHY

Honoring the outstanding interior lineman in the nation, first presented in 1946 by the Football Writers Association of America. The award is named for its benefactor, Dr. John H. Outland.

1984* Bruce Smith, Virginia Tech

1987 Chad Hennings, Air Force

2008 Andre Smith, Alabama

JOHNNY UNITAS GOLDEN ARM AWARD

First presented in 1987 to honor the nation’s top senior quarterback by the Kentucky Chapter of the NFF and College Football Hall of Fame. Each year, a committee composed of NFL executives, coaches, scouts, and media members selects the winner based on citizenship, scholarship, leadership and athletic accomplishments. The award is named after Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas.

2003 Eli Manning, Ole Miss

JOHN MACKEY AWARD

First presented in 2000 and is awarded by Nassau County Sports Commission to honor the nation’s top tight end. The award is named after former Syracuse and NFL star John Mackey.

2008 Chase Coffman, Missouri

RAY GUY AWARD

First presented in 2000 by the Greater Augusta Sports Council to honor the nation’s top punter. The award is named after Ray Guy, a former All-American at Southern Miss and an all-pro for the Oakland Raiders.

2008 Matt Fodge, Oklahoma State

2009* Drew Butler, Georgia

LOU GROZA AWARD

Presented for the first time in 1992 to honor the nation’s top collegiate placekicker. Sponsored by the Palm Beach County Sports Authority in conjunction with the Orange Bowl Committee. The award is named after NFL Hall of Fame kicker Lou Groza.

1995 Michael Reeder, TCU

2003 Jonathan Nichols, Ole Miss

MOSI TATUPU AWARD

First presented in 1997 to the top special teams player in the Country by the Maui Touchdown Club through 2006. The award is named after Mosi Tatupu, who played high school football in Honolulu and collegiate football at USC. He went on to a 14-year NFL playing career.

2000 J.T. Thatcher, Oklahoma

PAUL HORNUNG AWARD

Established in 2010, the Paul Hornung Award is presented annually by the Louisville Sports Commission to “recognize and reward versatile, highlevel performers in major college football.” The award is named after College and Professional Football Hall of Famer Paul Hornung, who is considered one of the most versatile players in football history.

2011 Brandon Boykin, Georgia

AFCA COACH OF THE YEAR

Selected by the American Football Coaches Association and the Football Writers Association of America.

1983* Ken Hatfield, Air Force

1985 Fisher DeBerry, Air Force

1999 Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech

2000 Bob Stoops, Oklahoma

2013 David Cutliffe, Duke

BOBBY DODD COACH OF THE YEAR

Selected by the American Football Coaches Association and the Football Writers Association of America.

1983* Ken Hatfield, Air Force

1985 Fisher DeBerry, Air Force

1991 George Welsh, Virginia

1996* Bob Sutton, Army

2003 Bob Stoops, Oklahoma

2004 Paul Johnson, Navy

2008 Mack Brown, Texas

2013 David Cutcliffe, Duke

2014 Nick Saban, Alabama

EDDIE ROBINSON COACH OF THE YEAR

Selected by Football Writers Association of America. Named in honor of legendary Grambling State head coach Eddie Robinson, who coached 408 career victories

1985 Fisher DeBerry, Air Force

1994 Rich Brooks, Oregon

1999 Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech

2000 Bob Stoops, Oklahoma

2003 Nick Saban, LSU

2008 Nick Saban, Alabama

2011 Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State

2018 Bill Clark, UAB

HOME DEPOT COACH OF THE YEAR

Given annually to the top head football coach, as voted on by ESPN and ABC college football analysts.

1994 Rich Brooks, Oregon

1999 Frank Solich, Nebraska

2000 Bob Stoops, Oklahoma

2008 Nick Saban, Alabama

PAUL “BEAR” BRYANT COACH OF THE YEAR

The College Football Coach of the Year Award began in 1957 and was renamed for Coach Bryant in 1986, following his death of a heart attack in 1983. It has since benefited the American Heart Association. The award honors excellence in college football coaching, both on and off the field.

1994 Rich Brooks, Oregon

1999 Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech

2000 Bob Stoops, Oklahoma

2003 Nick Saban, LSU

2005 Mack Brown, Texas

2011 Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State

*Award was earned during season in which he played/ coached in the Independence Bowl

List current following the 2023 season

In Support of

COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP

Each year since 2006, the Independence Bowl Foundation partners with Willis-Knighton Health to award a $2,500 scholarship to one Caddo Parish and one Bossier Parish graduating senior for his or her academic performance and commitment to our communities through service. The scholarship has provided a total of $95,000 in scholarships over the 19 years of the program.

ELIZABETH SHOUP

Caddo Parish Magnet High

School

Elizabeth Shoup is a very successful student, as she has a 4.89 current grade point average (GPA).

Her success in the classroom has earned her multiple honors and scholastic achievements – including being a National Merit Semifinalist and a Caddo Magnet Student of the Year Finalist this year. She has also excelled in Spanish – earning the Gold Medal in the National Spanish III Exam in 9th grade, Silver Medal in the National Spanish IV Exam in 10th grade and First Place in the District Literary Rally (Spanish IV) in 10th grade. She has also been involved in many groups and organizations – including leadership positions in the Girl Up and PSAT Peer Mentor clubs. She has also been very involved in many classes, teams and productions at StageCenter’s School of Performing Arts.

Along with her many scholastic honors and involvement with a variety of clubs and groups, Shoup has also given back to her community in a variety of ways. She has spent numerous hours volunteering at StageCenter – serving as a Triple Threat Intern where she taught elementary students acting, singing and dancing, as well as helping with set building for productions. She also has served as a Community Bible Study Co-Leader for students from Caddo Magnet and C.E. Byrd, and she has spent many hours volunteering at Common Ground Food Pantry.

KATIE GREEN Plain Dealing High School

She has earned A-Honor Roll all four years at Plain Dealing and throughout high school has earned recognition for Highest Test Scores in algebra, English and biology. Her long list of scholastic achievements and honors also includes the Bossier Youth Leadership honor in 11th grade, Academic Excellence Award in 11th grade and Plain Dealing Homecoming Queen this year. Green has held a multitude of leadership roles for clubs and organizations – serving as the President of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council and Yearbook Club; Vice President of the National English Honor Society, captain of the softball team and other leadership roles with the Lady Cubs Softball Team.

Green truly understands what it means to give back to her community, as she has spent countless hours volunteering her time. She volunteered for the AHEC Summer Program – helping nursing home residents make bird feeders, assisting hospital staff with daily rotations and assisting clinic staff with patients and maintenance. She has also given much of her time to Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, the Lady Cubs Softball Team, Bossier Parish Courts of Praise, Northeast Bossier Fire District #5 and other organizations.

Green – Bossier Parish’s recipient – is also highlysuccessful in the classroom with a 4.20 GPA.

Think inside the box.

Tony Chachere’s Creole Dinner Mixes are perfect for a quick, one-pot meal loaded with authentic Louisiana flavor! Just add your favorite meat, go vegetarian, or add your own special ingredients to create a new family favorite–in only minutes!

The William A. Robinson Foundation

THANKS FOR 48 GREAT YEARS!

Chase is a proud sponsor of the 2023 Independence Bowl.

Chase Bank, proud sponsor of the 2024 Independence Bowl.

In-Game Promotions

In-Game Promotions

Pre-Game Fireworks – Presented by Module X Solutions

Sonic Mascot Race – Cheer on your favorite Sonic mascot, Indy or local mascot presented by Sonic

Louisiana Downs Winning Ticket – One lucky fan will get their seats upgraded and win a great prize pack from Louisiana Downs

Give It Your All Kids Race – Get ready to see watch six kids Give It Their All as they race to see who get get dressed a cross the goal line presented by Goodwill of North Louisiana

Delivery of the Game – One lucky row will get pizza courtesy of Pizza Hut

Halftime Show – presented by B1Bank

Smile Cam – presented by Shreveport Dental Solutions. Scan the QR code on the videoboard and stream video of your and your friends to the videoboard. Smile Big!

Post-Up presented by Coca-Cola & Whataburger - Scan the QR code from the videoboard and post your photos, show your spirit and get seen on the videoboard.

Presentations

Willis Knighton Health Systems Scholarship Presentation

Two (2) local students will be presented college scholarships

The Shreveport Bossier City Advocate Art Contest Winners Winners will be recognized on the videoboard throughout the game

Radiance Technologies Employee of the Year

Omar Bradley Spirit of Independence Award – General Bryan Fenton, Commander of US Special Operations Command

Carl Mikovich Sports Person of the Year –Seth Lugo, Kansas City Royals

Upcoming Independence Bowl Events

Independence Bowl Annual Meeting

March 2025

• Open for all Independence Bowl Foundation Members

USTA Youth Tennis Classic

Spring 2025

• Youth tennis players ages 12-18 from all through the United States come to play in the tournament

Foundation Crawfish Boil

April 2025

• All Foundation Members receive two tickets

14th Annual Youth Football Clinic

June 2025

• Free for kids ages 5-13 (incoming eighth graders)

For more information on all of the Independence Bowl events, including Foundation events, community events, public events and more, visit RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com/events.

When purchasing your Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl™ merchandise, make sure it’s official by looking for the “Officially Licensed Collegiate Products” hologram. This hologram assures that the product has been approved by the Bowl and its participating teams. Revenue generated from the sale of officially licensed products will help support Bowl and university programs of this year’s participating institutions.

For more information about the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl™ licensing program, please contact CLC. 770.956.0520 / clc.com

WE OWN IT

Founded in 1999, Radiance Technologies has become one of the nation’s leading research and development contractors for the Department of Defense. From the start, founders George Clark and John Dennis envisioned a company where customer success is our success, and the driving force that makes this dream a reality is employee-ownership. Twenty-five years later, employee-ownership is still one of our top priorities. Through shared values and a desire to execute the customer’s mission, our employee-owners will continue George and John’s vision well into the future. Our unique culture fosters innovation, commitment, and personal investment in every project we undertake. At Radiance, each employee-owner is empowered to contribute their best, ensuring we deliver cutting-edge solutions at the forefront of defense technology.