2025 Independence Bowl Predictions For Week 8

Alright, this is where it gets really fun, we're now into week 8 of the college football season, and things are falling into place. Shreveport's bowl game, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, has a solid list of teams in the hunt. Now, let's connect the dots and figure out who is most likely to be spending their December in Shreveport for the 2025 Independence Bowl.

How Do The Independence Bowl Teams Get Picked?

Several factors could influence the final pairing for Shreveport's bowl game. The Independence Bowl holds the sixth selection from the Big 12's pool of bowl-eligible teams. This position in the selection order means the conference must have significant depth for a team to be available.

The expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams presents a major variable. If the Big 12 has a strong season and places multiple teams in the playoff, those schools are removed from the bowl selection pool. This could thin the number of available teams considerably. Additionally, all teams must achieve the six-win threshold for bowl eligibility, and a few late-season losses across the conference could further shrink the pool.

To address this uncertainty, bowl organizers have contingency plans. The primary backup agreement is with the Sun Belt Conference, so if the Big 12 cannot provide a team, the invitation would be extended to a Sun Belt school. Should that option also be unavailable, the bowl would select an "at-large" team from any conference in the nation that has an eligible team without a bowl destination.

Based on the selection order and the current records, here's our educated guess.

Breaking Down the Big 12 Picture

This is the most important piece of the puzzle: The Independence Bowl gets the 6th selection from the Big 12's bowl-eligible teams. This means we have to figure out who the five bowls ahead of us will likely pick first.

Teams likely off the board: The top teams like BYU (6-0) and Texas Tech (6-0) are playing for a spot in the College Football Playoff or a major New Year's Six bowl. They won't be available.

The Top Tier Bowls:

The Alamo Bowl and Pop-Tarts Bowl will get the next picks. They'll snap up the teams with the best records and biggest national brands remaining, likely teams like Utah (5-1), Cincinnati (5-1), or Houston (5-1).

The Texas Bowl and Liberty Bowl will follow. With strong records, you can see teams like Iowa State (5-2) and Baylor (4-2) being very attractive picks for these games.

Who's Left for Shreveport?

After those first five selections, the Independence Bowl is on the clock. The most likely teams available in that 6th spot would be:

Kansas Jayhawks (4-3): The story around the Jayhawks' turnaround is a national one. They bring an energized fanbase and a fresh, exciting team to the table. They are a very compelling option.

Arizona State Sun Devils (4-2): They have a solid record and would be a quality opponent, but the distance from Arizona to Shreveport could be a factor.

Kansas State Wildcats (3-4): A well-respected program, but they'll need a strong finish to the season to be a top contender for this spot.

Prediction: The most attractive and logical pick for the Independence Bowl from this group would be the Kansas Jayhawks.

Finding the Right Fit from Conference USA

Conference USA uses a "pool" system, so it's less about a strict order and more about finding the best fit for the bowl, the school, and the fans. Geography and local interest play a huge role here.

The Obvious Frontrunner:

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (4-2): This is the easiest prediction to make. They are right down the road, they guarantee strong local attendance, and their 4-2 record puts them in the top tier of the conference. The only question is if the bowl would hesitate to invite the same local team two years in a row, but the benefits usually outweigh that concern.

The Strongest Alternatives:

Jacksonville State Gamecocks (3-3): If the bowl wants a new face, JSU is the perfect regional option. They are just an 8-hour drive from Alabama, have a passionate fanbase that is excited about bowl games, and are a solid, competitive team.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (5-2): They currently have the best overall record in the conference. Their high-scoring offense is always fun to watch and would be great for the TV audience.

Prediction: While the others are great options, the draw of a local team is too strong. The most likely pick is the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.

The Most Likely 2025 Independence Bowl Matchup

Putting it all together, the matchup that makes the most sense based on the selection process, team performance, and what creates the most buzz is:

Kansas Jayhawks (Big 12) vs. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (Conference USA)

This matchup would be a fantastic scenario for Shreveport, pitting a nationally recognized "Cinderella story" in Kansas against the passionate, hometown support of Louisiana Tech.