The best sportsbooks favor the Miami Hurricanes by six points over the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, as the spread goes for the 2019 Independence Bowl on December 26, 2019, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 p.m. EST, at Independence Stadium in Shreveport.
Miami Hurricanes vs. Louisiana Tech Independence Bowl betting Odds
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Florida | -6 (-110) | 50 (-110) | -230 |  |
| Louisiana Tech | +6 (-110) | 50 (-110) | +190 | |
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Betting Miami Hurricanes
The Hurricanes finished the regular season 6-6 (4-4 in ACC play). Additionally, the Canes had a 6-6 ATS record, per the best online sportsbooks. Starting QB Jarren Williams is 160 of 256 (62.5%) for 2,093, 19 TDs, six picks, and 32 sacks. Tight end Brevin Jordan 495 yards and two TDs on 35 receptions. Running back DeeJay Dallas has 693 yards and eight TDs on 115 carries. Miami only rushes for 121.8 yards per game, which ranks 120th in the country. The Canes rank 90th in total offense, with 378.9 yards per game. Miami scores 27.8 points per game (74th).
Gregory ‘Jean-Jacques’ Rosseau has 14 sacks, linebacker Shaquille Quarterman has 96 tackles, and cornerback DJ Ivey has three interceptions. Miami has the 13th-best total defense, allowing 307.6 yards per game, including 109.7 on the ground (15th). The Canes’ 24th-ranking scoring defense (20.8 ppg) has allowed 27 or more points in the last three games.
According to the best sportsbooks, the Hurricanes are 4-1 ATS playing a team with a winning record. 2-5 ATS in their last seven games as a favorite. And 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games after scoring fewer than 20 points in their previous game.
“It’s very unique, being there the last five years,” former La. Tech and current Miami defensive coordinator Blake Baker said. “Especially on the defensive side of the ball, being in those kids’ living rooms and recruiting them and getting to know their parents. I’m excited to see all those guys again. “I’ve been keeping up with them all season, been rooting for them every single day — until Dec. 26. It’s fun and exciting. I don’t know how many coaches have experienced something like this, so it’s kind of different. I’m excited to get back there.”
Betting Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
This will be the Bulldogs’ fifth Independence Bowl appearance. La. Tech has a record of 2-1-1 in the game, most recently winning the 2008 Independence Bowl over Northern Illinois, 17-10. The Bulldogs went 9-3 (6-2 in C-USA play) and, according to the best sportsbooks, 7-5 ATS in the regular season. Starting QB J’Marr Smith is 223 of 339 (65.8%) for 2,814 yards with 17 TDs, four picks, and 22 sacks.
Wide receiver Malik Stanley has 37 catches for 574 yards and three TDs. Running back Justin Henderson has 967 yards and 15 TDs on 166 carries. The Bulldogs’ total offense ranks 30th in the country (445.2 yards per game). La. Tech’s 27th-ranked scoring offense (34.0 ppg) scored 41 points in the season closer after being held to fewer than 15 in the previous two games.
Defensive end Milton Williams has four sacks, safety L’Jarius Sneed has 72 tackles, and cornerback Amik Robertson has five interceptions. The Bulldogs yield 390.3 total yards per game (68th), including 247.8 through the air (98th). Robertson has declared for the NFL draft and will skip the bowl game. “The star cornerback said he has been battling a groin and hip flexor issues for a while and that getting my body healthy to begin training for the Draft process was the most important factor in the decision to not suit up in the bowl game,” The News-Star reports.
The Bulldogs are 6-1 ATS in their last seven bowl games. 5-1 ATS in their last six after an ATS loss. And 5-1 ATS in their last six games on grass.
Miami Hurricanes vs. Louisiana Tech Independence Bowl Pick
The Bulldogs defense isn’t all that good even with Robertson. Take the Canes and the points.
