Marshall has opted out of the Independence Bowl against Army due to a significant number of players entering the transfer portal, with over 25 departures. Louisiana Tech will replace Marshall in the bowl game scheduled for December 28. This decision follows the departure of Marshall's coach, Charles Huff, to Southern Miss. The team finished the season with a 10-3 record, winning the Sun Belt title. Notable players leaving include quarterbacks Braylon Braxton, Stone Earle, Cole Pennington, and linebacker Jaden Yates.
Marshall University has opted out of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl following a significant number of player transfers and a coaching change. After winning the Sun Belt Conference title, Marshall's head coach Charles Huff departed for Southern Miss, leading to the hiring of Tony Gibson from NC State. With 36 players, including key quarterbacks, entering the transfer portal, and staff departures, Marshall is unable to field a team for the bowl game against Army. The Independence Bowl now seeks a replacement team.
Marshall has opted out of the Independence Bowl against Army due to a significant number of players entering the transfer portal following the departure of head coach Charles Huff to Southern Miss. With no eligible 6-6 teams available, a 5-7 team with the highest Academic Progress Rate may replace Marshall, though organizing a team on short notice is challenging. Army, with an 11-1 record, presents a tough matchup with its triple-option offense.
Marshall University plans to opt out of the Independence Bowl against Army due to losing 29 players to the transfer portal. The game, scheduled for December 28, originally featured two American Athletic Conference teams, but Army had a prior agreement to play. Officials are now seeking a replacement team, considering those with 5-7 records based on academic progress rate scores. Marshall's recent coaching change led to the player departures, with new head coach Tony Gibson attempting to recruit some back.
Texas Tech will face Cal in the Independence Bowl, marking their second all-time meeting. Cal secured a bowl bid after three consecutive losing seasons, while Texas Tech qualified for their third straight bowl game. Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been a key factor in their success, while Texas Tech's Tahj Brooks will play and announced his return for the 2024 season. Cal's final game in the Pac-12 adds significance to the matchup. The prediction favors Cal, with a close game expected.
