Marshall opted out of playing Army in the Independence Bowl on Dec. 28 because of losing a large number of players to the transfer portal, and was replaced by Louisiana Tech.

The Thundering Herd went 10-3 and defeated Louisiana 31-3 in the Sun Belt Conference championship game on Dec. 7. Head coach Charles Huff left the program one day later to accept the same position at Southern Miss, a fellow league member.

At least 29 Marshall players have entered the transfer portal since Dec. 8, according to 247Sports.

Louisiana Tech is 5-7 overall and 4-4 in Conference USA play entering the bowl game in Shreveport, La.

“It is unfortunate that Marshall determined they won’t be able to compete in the bowl in a couple of weeks. Our goal was to create the best matchup possible for our local fans and college football fans throughout the country, and we think we did that with two conference champions,” Independence Bowl executive director Missy Setters said in a news release. “Moving forward we are very excited to host Louisiana Tech and are thrilled we found an opponent for Army. We appreciate LA Tech AD Ryan Ivey, coach Sonny Cumbie, their players, and support staff for their willingness to step up and play in our bowl game.

“Army has had a tremendous season, and Bowl Season is all about celebrating that success and providing a reward at the end of the season. We look forward to showing both teams what our community is all about and providing them with an unforgettable Bowl Week experience.”

No. 19 Army, the American Athletic Conference champion, dropped to 11-2 by falling 31-13 to rival Navy on Saturday.

Thundering Herd associate head coach Telly Lockette was designated to lead the team in the bowl game, with the university hiring North Carolina State defensive coordinator Tony Gibson as the new head coach.

–Field Level Media