Louisiana Tech vs. Army Prediction & Picks Tonight: Independence Bowl Odds

The Army Black Nights take their 12-win season into tonight's Independence Bowl (Independence Stadium, 9:15 p.m. ET, ESPN) against the 5-7 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. 

The Black Knights are the 14.5-point favorites despite losing the team's second-leading rusher, Kanye Udoh, to the transfer portal.

Even with that significant hole, our Louisiana Tech vs. Army prediction, part of our college bowl game predictions this week, expects the Black Knights to dominate and cover the spread. The Marshall Thundering Herd were initially scheduled to play in this game but opted out due to a lack of players to choose from.

That has provided the Bulldogs with an opportunity to prove themselves worthy of the appearance. However, we feel Army is just too strong for this Louisiana team. 

Our college football bowl game opt-out tracker has you covered with the latest opt-out news and the impact on the college bowl game odds.

Louisiana Tech vs. Army updated betting info

Army was initially favored by 16.5 points, which has since decreased to 14.5 points. 70% of the bets but just 20% of the handle have been placed on Army, and there has been no change in the total (43.5).

Army opened at -775 on the moneyline, and their odds have since lengthened marginally to -700. 

Louisiana Tech vs. Army prediction & best pick: Independence Bowl

College football picks based on the odds from our best college football betting sites. Odds subject to change.

• Against the spread pick: Army -16.5 () vs. Louisiana Tech ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• My best pick: Noah Short anytime touchdown scorer () ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Louisiana Tech vs. Army ATS prediction

Army to cover the spread: -16.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best odds: -110 via BetMGM | Implied probability: 52.38%

Bryson Daily is too much for the Bulldogs

Being without a 1,000-plus-yard rusher when you’re the best running team in the country doesn’t seem like a recipe for success.

But the Black Knights were so effective running the ball this season that they lost a 1,000-plus-yard runner and still aren’t without their leading rusher in this game. That’s because Bryson Daily ran for 1,532 yards and 29 touchdowns this season.

The Bulldogs boast the 31st-ranked run defense in the nation, allowing just 125.6 rushing yards per game. However, they’ve never faced an offensive scheme like what the Black Knights run. Additionally, they’ll be without seven defensive linemen, so the Black Knights are going against a far inferior version of the team that took the field this season.

The spread of 16.5 points is a lot, but the Bulldogs are only averaging 21.9 points per game. Daily will run down the defense’s throat, which will keep the ball away from the Bulldogs’ offense.

The Bulldogs won’t get into the 20s with fewer possessions than usual, and the Black Knights will score more than 30 for the eighth time this year.

Louisiana Tech vs. Army best pick

Our NEW college football player prop odds tool can help you find the best odds on any market across legal sportsbooks in your area!

Noah Short anytime touchdown scorer ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best odds: -110 via Caesars | Implied probability: 52.38%

Short has only scored five touchdowns this season. But he seems like the obvious choice to fill the void Udoh leaves behind. Short finished the year third on the team in rushing yards while averaging 7.7 yards per attempt on his way to 542 yards overall.

He ended the season with 70 carries, which was third-most on the team and more than double what any other running back other than Udoh was given. While he hasn’t found the end zone since Oct. 5, Short will get a much larger role on Saturday. The Bulldogs are only allowing 20.8 points per game, but they haven’t played any team with an offense nearly as talented as Army’s unit.

Caesars is alone among our best sports betting apps while offering this prop. You could wait to see if you're able to get this prop for +100 or better. But this price is more than fair for one of your college bowl game predictions this week, even though Short hasn’t been much of a scorer this year.

Louisiana Tech vs. Army odds

See all of this week's college football odds and NCAAF scores.

Louisiana Tech vs. Army live odds

Louisiana Tech vs. Army opening odds:

• Louisiana Tech: +15.5 (-102)
• Army: -15.5 (+100)

Louisiana Tech vs. Army injuries

Independence Bowl game info

• When: Saturday, Dec. 28
• Kickoff: 9:15 p.m. ET
• Where: Independence Stadium, Shreveport, LA
• How to watch: ESPN
• Weather: 50 degrees, 0% chance of precipitation, wind 8-mph W
• Favorite: Army -16.5 (-110 via BetMGM)

College football betting odds pages

Here are our best college football betting sites:

• Caesars Promo Code: SBRBONUSDYW | Read our Caesars Review
• BetMGM Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our BetMGM Review
• bet365 Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our bet365 Review
• FanDuel Promo Code | Read our FanDuel Review
• DraftKings Promo Code | Read our DraftKings Review

(21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
* Bonuses not applicable in Ontario.

Not intended for use in MA.
Each betting site featured on SBR has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission

Related pages

• Best Sports Betting Sites | Best Sportsbook Promos (U.S. only)