LA Tech Bulldogs (5-7) vs. Army Black Knights (10-2)
December 28, 2024 9:15 pm EDT
The Line: Army Black Knights -17.5 / LA Tech Bulldogs +17.5; Over/Under: +43.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and the Army Black Knights meet Saturday in Independence Bowl college football action from Independence Stadium. Here’s an Army vs LA Tech Prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Army vs Louisiana Tech pick.
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Betting Preview
The Bulldogs’ spot in this bowl game was initially occupied by Marshall, but the Herd had to back out due to significant losses suffered via the transfer portal. In any case, Louisiana Tech went 5-7 this year but has won two of the last three. The Bulldogs beat Western Kentucky and Kennesaw State during that trio.
On November 30 versus the Owls, Louisiana Tech jumped out to a 17-0 halftime lead and scored in every quarter during a 33-0 blowout win. Evan Bullock threw for 230 yards, but the real offensive star was Omiri Wiggins with 17 carries for 129 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
Army Black Knights Betting Preview
Over on the Army side, they took out Lehigh, Florida Atlantic, Rice, Temple, Tulsa, UAB, East Carolina, Air Force, and North Texas in their first nine before a loss to Notre Dame. The Knights bounced back with wins over UTSA and Tulane before another loss to Navy.
In the December 14 matchup with Navy, the Knights were out of sorts and had trouble running the ball. Army gave up points in every quarter on defense and ended up falling 31-13. Bryson Daily threw for just 65 yards with one TD and three picks. Kanye Udoh led the running game with just 53 yards.
Why the Army Black Knights will win
- Army has won 14 of its last 15 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Louisiana Tech has lost each of its last four games against opponents from the American Athletic Conference.
- Louisiana Tech has failed to cover the spread in each of its last three games against opponents from the American Athletic Conference.
- Army has covered the spread in three of its last four Bowl games.
- Army has won the first half in each of its last four games against opponents from the Conference USA.
- Army has won the first quarter in three of its last four games against opponents from the Conference USA.
Why the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will win
- Louisiana Tech has won six of its last seven games against non-conference opponents at neutral venues.
- Louisiana Tech has covered the spread in each of its last five games.
- Army has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Louisiana Tech’s last four games against non-conference opponents at neutral venues have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Four of Army’s last five December games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Army ranks 1st among FBS teams for rushing yards per game this season (298.9).
- Army ranks 134th among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (81.8).
- Louisiana Tech ranks 2nd among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage against this season (31.6).
- Louisiana Tech ranks 128th among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage this season (36.4).
Army vs LA Tech Prediction
I’m going to stay with Army. The Knights are coming off an embarrassing showing versus a very good Navy team, notching just 179 total yards (114 rushing), 13 first downs and three turnovers (all picks). It was an uncharacteristic outing for Army, who averages 32 points per game and 298.9 rush yards per game (accounting for 44 touchdowns) this season. The Knights’ style of play flummoxes most teams, but those defesnes that are equipped to deal with the onslaught can stop Army in their tracks.
As for Louisiana Tech, they’re obviously just happy to be here. The Bulldogs are in a bowl after just five wins this year—one of which came against a 2-10 Kennesaw State team in the regular-season finale. Louisiana Tech likely doesn’t have the personnel or the scheme to deal with Army, so they’ll have to rely on an epic defensive stand in order to keep the Knights’ score manageable enough for a Bulldogs offense that averages just 22.2 points per game to follow along. That’s a tall order, so I’m taking the Knights in this one.
