Ohio vs. Louisiana-Monroe
Fri., Dec. 28 – 2 p.m. ET, ESPN
Shreveport, La. – Independence Stadium
The story should be the first bowl bid in history for Louisiana-Monroe (8-4). But this Independence Bowl is bound to be remembered as the game that jobbed high-flying Louisiana Tech out of the postseason.
Louisiana Tech thought it had some better options. The Independence Bowl, tapping its watch, said it needed an answer. No answer. So along they went and picked Ohio (8-4).
And oh, what might have been for Ohio.
The Bobcats were rolling along at 7-0, living that BCS-busting dream, then it all went terribly wrong. With four losses in its last five games, Ohio has tiptoed into bowl season.
The Bobcats are here – and there’s something to be said for that. Prior to Frank Solich’s arrival, Ohio had made one bowl trip in its football history. This is Solich’s fifth bowl with the Bobcats.
But the fun, fun, fun will be had with Louisiana-Monroe. The Warhawks upset Arkansas to open the season, then nearly defeated Auburn and Baylor. Junior Kolton Browning is a delight.
Opening pooint spread: Louisiana-Monroe by 6
The pick: Louisiana-Monroe 32, Ohio 26
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