Could LSU Play In The Independence Bowl In Shreveport?

The bowl picture across college football feels wide open this season, and that puts Shreveport in an unusual but exciting spot. With the SEC potentially sending as many as five teams to the expanded playoff, several of the league’s traditional bowl slots might go unfilled.

That ripple effect could bring a national brand like LSU much closer to home, and Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Executive Director Missy Setters told KEEL News Bowl officials are watching every scenario carefully.

Odds Are Slim, But Why LSU Could Slide Into the Independence Bowl

LSU has already hit the six win mark, which makes them bowl eligible. While they are out of the playoff hunt, Setters explained that the SEC has nine bowl partners plus playoff responsibilities. If the league cannot fill all of those obligations, teams fall to the next available slot.

That could lead LSU to cities like Charlotte, Memphis, Nashville, Tampa, Houston, Birmingham or even Shreveport. Nothing is guaranteed, but after Louisiana Tech ended up in the Independence Bowl last year, LSU landing here is not as far-fetched as fans might think.

Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)

What Independence Bowl Officials Are Watching

Setters and her staff have been on the road scouting Big 12 and Conference USA teams for weeks. Kansas, Kansas State, TCU, Baylor, Iowa State, UCF, Western Kentucky, Jacksonville State and Louisiana Tech are all in the mix.

The Independence Bowl has partnerships with the Big 12 and Conference USA, which means Shreveport could end up with a matchup loaded with regional interest.

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Setters said the selection process depends on several factors: fan travel, overall record, star players, and how well a matchup might draw interest. A Louisiana Tech vs Baylor or TCU matchup, for example, would create strong regional pull and could pack Independence Stadium.

Why Regional Matchups Matter for Shreveport

Setters emphasized that ease of travel plays a huge role in boosting economic impact. Hotel nights, restaurant traffic and family friendly bowl events bring thousands into the area at a time when Shreveport businesses appreciate it most. Independence Bowl week includes a fan festival, rally on the red, FCA breakfast and several free community events that highlight the city.

Setters said with so many SEC teams making the playoffs, or others not qualifying, it might present a difficulty of the SEC filling their obligated 9 bowl games. Which make the odds of LSU actually making it to Shreveport are, realistically, slim-to-none... but it's fun to think about!

This year’s game is scheduled for December 30 at 1 p.m. and will air nationally on ESPN. Group tickets are available for $15, making it one of the most affordable family outings of the season.

Throwback Pics From The Independence Bowl

Take a look back at the action over the years at Shreveport's college bowl game

High Temps For Every Independence Bowl In History

We looked at the historic high temperatures for the date of each Independence Bowl in Shreveport. The temps were the daily recorded highs at the Shreveport Regional Airport, not the exact temps at kickoff of the game.