Football Betting

Independence Bowl odds – Mid-majors could take over

Posted on 12/2/2008 9:48:15 AM By Blake Frazier

Independence bowl betting: games have been very close in recent years

BLAKE’S PICK: Northern Illinois vs. Louisiana Tech odds have made the Huskies a slight 1.5-point betting favorite, and they are looking to avenge a pair of blowout losses to the Bulldogs back in the late 1990s. The Huskies will have to find a way to slow down the Bulldogs’ 26th-ranked ground game, but their aerial defense is fine, finishing fifth in the nation. Bet online with the Northern Illinois Huskies.

The Huskies were fourth in the MAC West with a 6-6 record, while the Bulldogs came in fourth in the WAC at 7-5. These two will meet in the Independence Bowl on December 28, 2008 at 8:15 p.m. ET in Shreveport, LA.

• When: December 28, 2008
• Sponsor: PetroSun
• Stadium: Independence Stadium in Shreveport, LA
• History: December 13, 1976 (McNeese State 20 Tulsa 16)

Last Five Years:

Online betting players could have their hands full when going over the 2008 Independence Bowl odds, as the last four games have been decided by seven points or less.

The Independence Bowl began in 1976 with McNeese State topping Tulsa 20-16. Mississippi leads the way with five Independence Bowl appearances, going 4-1 in the process. The game usually features the No. 7 Big 12 team against the No. 8 SEC team, but teams from the WAC and Sun Belt conferences can claim berths if there are no SEC or Big 12 teams available.

The SEC’s Alabama came into last year’s game as favored by four on the Independence Bowl line over the Big 12’s Colorado; the Crimson Tide looked like they would run away with the game early on, racing out to a 27-0 lead three minutes into the second quarter. The Buffaloes made a late charge, but the Crimson Tide held on for a 30-24 win to cover the Independence Bowl spread.

This year’s Independence Bowl odds should be interesting, as Louisiana-Lafayette of the Sun Belt and Louisiana Tech of the WAC are projected to participate in this bowl. Louisiana Tech has won six of its last seven meetings with Louisiana-Lafayette (all six wins have been consecutive with the last coming in 2004), and being in-state rivals puts a different spin on Independence Bowl betting.

Visit BetOnline.com for the perfect place for more analysis of Independence Bowl betting.

Blake walked onto his college football team and had a brief stint as an assistant coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to the world of sports handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game that only someone who has played would understand. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.