Louisiana Tech Bulldogs explode in the 4th, claim the 2025 Indy Bowl over Coastal Carolina 23-14

Photo credit: Donovan Bridgeforth

SHREVEPORT, Louisiana (TXAN 24) - In a defensive battle from the start, the 2025 Radiance Technology Independence Bowl saw these two ball clubs slug it out all the way through the 4th Quarter.

With over 30,000 fans in attendance at the Independence Bowl in Shreveport—the atmosphere was electric and passionate on behalf of both teams. Interim Head Coach Jeremiah Johnson had the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers ready to rock and roll at kickoff. His team jumped out to an early 11 point lead over the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at halftime.

The Chanticleers saw success behind 2 touchdown passes from redshirt sophomore Quarterback Tad Hudson who was dialed-in during the 1st Quarter. As the 4th Quarter began the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs had only managed a pair of field goals, but that would soon change.

Junior Quarterback, and California native, Trey Kukuk rallied his guys and the bulldogs got their first touchdown on the board to begin the 4th Quarter on a 52-yard pass to redshirt junior Wide Receiver Marlion Jackson on a one play drive. After this quick strike, with the score 14-12, Louisiana Tech opted to go for the 2-point conversion to tie this game up. The Chanticleers stood tall and denied that attempt to retain a slim lead.

Once the Bulldogs regained possession after a defensive stop, redshirt senior running back Andrew Burnette capped off a 3 play, 49 yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, and caught the 2-point conversion pass from Kukuk. This touchdown and conversion gave the bulldogs their first lead of the entire game with just over 8 minutes remaining.

The Bulldogs would hold onto this lead and claim the title as 2025 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Champions with a final score of 23-14.