The 2025 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl brings together the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (Sun Belt) and the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (CUSA) in a matchup of two bowl-eligible teams looking to end their seasons positively. Coastal Carolina enters with a 6-6 record after an inconsistent year marked by defensive struggles, while Louisiana Tech (7-5) rides a wave of momentum from a strong mid-season turnaround. This game marks the first-ever meeting between the programs, adding an element of unpredictability to the contest. Below is a comprehensive breakdown.
Venue Location
Independence Stadium, Shreveport, Louisiana. This outdoor venue, home to local high school and college events, seats approximately 50,000 and features a natural grass surface, hosting the Independence Bowl since 1976.
Kickoff is set for
2:00 p.m. ET (1:00 p.m. CT). The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
Note: While the query specifies December 25, all official sources confirm December 30 as the date.
Weather Forecast
As an outdoor game, weather could influence play on grass. Shreveport’s forecast for December 30, 2025, indicates daytime highs around 64°F with nighttime lows near 46°F, partly cloudy skies, a 20% chance of precipitation, and light winds at 2 mph. UV index is low at 3, suggesting comfortable conditions but monitor for any light rain that could make the field slick.
Injury Report
Both teams have key players sidelined, potentially shifting strategies toward backups and depth.
- Coastal Carolina Chanticleers: Tight end Caden Berrong is out for the season with a knee injury (torn ACL). Wide receiver Eli Aragon is questionable with an undisclosed injury. Wide receiver N. Del Grande is out (undisclosed). These absences could limit the passing game, forcing more reliance on the run.
- Louisiana Tech Bulldogs: Wide receiver J. Wilkerson is out (undisclosed). Quarterback Evan Bullock is out for the season following an injury, with Jack Turner stepping in. Kicker Drew Henderson, running back Omiri Wiggins, and tight end Deven Muniz are on the report (undisclosed). Linebacker Kolbe Fields underwent knee surgery earlier but is expected back.
Key Player Matchups
The game could turn on Louisiana Tech’s defensive front against Coastal’s run-heavy offense, with Bullock’s absence forcing Turner to manage against a vulnerable Chanticleer secondary.
- CCU QB Ethan Hudson vs. LT S Omiri Alexander: Hudson, likely starting after limited action, faces Alexander, LT’s interception leader—turnovers could swing momentum if Hudson is pressured.
- LT QB Jack Turner vs. CCU LB C.J. Birch: Turner steps in with efficiency; Birch, Coastal’s tackle leader, must disrupt rhythm to force punts.
- CCU RB Braydon Bennett vs. LT DL Sonny Scott III: Bennett’s speed tests Scott’s run defense in the trenches.
- LT WR Tru Edwards vs. CCU CB Ethan Johnson: Edwards’ route-running could exploit Johnson in coverage.
Other watch: CCU WR Mekhi Biggs vs. LT secondary for big plays.
Recent Team Forms
- Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (6-6, 3-5 Sun Belt): Started 1-2 with losses to Virginia (48-7) and ECU (38-0), but rebounded with wins over Charleston Southern (13-0) and South Alabama (38-20). Struggled late, losing to ODU (47-7) but securing bowl eligibility with gritty efforts. Recent form: Won 3 of last 6, averaging 25 points in victories but allowing 35+ in losses.
- Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (7-5, 5-3 CUSA): Opened strong with wins over Southeastern LA (24-0) and NMSU (49-14), but lost to LSU (23-7). Finished 5-3 in conference, including victories over USM (30-20) and UTEP (30-11). Recent form: Won 4 of last 6, emphasizing defense in holding foes under 20 points.
Conference vs Conference
Sun Belt vs. CUSA. CUSA holds a slight historical edge (84-83 all-time vs. Sun Belt), but the conferences are comparable in G5 rankings, with CUSA slightly better in attendance and championship quality. Sun Belt teams like James Madison have elevated the league, but CUSA’s depth gives it a marginal advantage in cross-conference play.
Series History
This is the first-ever matchup between Coastal Carolina and Louisiana Tech. No prior games exist in their histories, though Coastal has faced Louisiana (UL) multiple times (2-2 record).
Betting Trends
- Coastal Carolina: 5-7 ATS overall; 3-3 ATS as underdogs; 6-6 O/U. Strong as road dogs (4-2 ATS last 6).
- Louisiana Tech: 7-5 ATS; 4-2 ATS as favorites; 6-6 O/U, trending under in low-total games.
- Game-Specific: Public on Coastal +9.5, sharps on LA Tech; unders hit in 4 of last 6 Independence Bowls; CUSA favorites 4-1 ATS vs. Sun Belt.
Historical Betting Results
The Independence Bowl (since 1976) has seen favorites go 25-23 ATS, with unders hitting in 30 of 48 games. Largest margin: +31 (Ohio 45-14 over ULM, 2012). Most points: 56 (Duke in 2018). Recent: 2022 Houston -5 covered vs. Louisiana (under 56.5); 2021 UAB +5.5 covered vs. BYU (over 54.5); 2019 LSU -7 covered vs. Miami (over). CUSA teams like LA Tech are 3-2 ATS in recent bowls.
Game Odds
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers 51.5
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs – 9.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Monday, December 29, 2025
