Phillip Livas returned a kickoff 97 yards, Daniel Porter rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown and Louisiana Tech won the Independence Bowl by beating Northern Illinois 17-10. It was Louisiana Tech's first postseason win since the 1977 Independence Bowl and the Bulldogs' seventh come-from-behind win of the season in what was essentially a home game. The Bulldogs (8-5), from nearby Ruston, haven't won eight games since 1999. Full story
UWIRE
Amy Brittain: A momentum-changing play was exactly what Louisiana Tech coach Derek Dooley needed in the first quarter of the 33rd annual Independence Bowl. Full story | UWIRE Bowl Coverage
Key Players
Chandler Harnish, QB, Northern Illinois The freshman threw for 182 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions on 20-of-40 passing. He also rushed for 61 yards on 12 carries.
Daniel Porter, RB, Louisiana Tech The junior led the team with 78 yards rushing on 18 carries, including a 11-yard score in the second quarter.
Team Reports
Northern Illinois: An unexpected invitee to the postseason, Northern Illinois will be playing in its third bowl game in five years. At 6-6, the Huskies were a longshot at landing a coveted bowl game, but bucked the odds thanks to some connections and hard work from some experienced personnel in the athletic department.. More
Louisiana Tech: A win over Nevada in the regular season finale probably would have sent the Bulldogs out west for a WAC-affiliated bowl trip. As it turns out, though, they're right in their own back yard. More -- Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
Photo Gallery
Derek Dooley gets carried off the field after Louisiana Tech wins. (AP)
"It really was my greatest game. To come out here in my hometown, it's a privilege and an honor and I'm just thankful to have my career end here."
-- Louisiana Tech's Weldon Brown
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