HUNTINGTON Ƶ Because of heavy losses of players and coaches in a time of coaching transition, Marshall UniversityƵs football team has withdrawn from the Independence Bowl, in which it was set to face Army on Dec. 28 in Shreveport, Louisiana.
The bowl announced Saturday that Louisiana Tech (5-7) will replace Marshall in the game. Yahoo Sports first reported Saturday Marshall had Ƶnotified officials it is opting out of the Independence Bowl.Ƶ
In a news release, a representative of the Sun Belt Conference wrote MUƵs roster had dipped below the line for the game to be played safely. The league didnƵt indicate what that number is.
Marshall issued a news release Saturday confirming the withdrawal.
ƵToday we are making the difficult decision to decline our invitation to participate in the Independence Bowl,Ƶ Marshall said in the release. ƵRecent changes in the status of key personnel, when combined with the implications of the shifting landscape of college athletics, including NIL and the transfer portal, have significantly impacted our teamƵs roster. At this moment, our football programƵs participation numbers create a major concern for the health and safety of our current student-athletes to compete in a safe, viable manner.Ƶ
The news disappointed players.
ƵItƵs really upsetting hearing this news,Ƶ Herd defensive back J.J. Roberts said on social media. ƵI was really looking forward to suiting up in the Kelly green one more time.Ƶ
More than 30 Thundering Herd players entered the transfer portal after coach Charles Huff left for Southern Mississippi Dec. 8. Some of HuffƵs assistants followed him to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, while others opted for other opportunities. Offensive coordinator Seth Doege left to accept the coordinatorƵs job at the University of Arizona.
Telly Lockett, who had been named interim coach for the bowl game, and defensive line coach Ralph Street remain at Marshall.
The Herd went 10-3 and won the Sun Belt Conference championship under Huff, who left the next day for MarshallƵs league foe. Marshall hired North Carolina State defensive coordinator Tony Gibson, a Van, West Virginia native, to replace Huff.
In the release, Marshall apologized to Army and thanked the Independence Bowl and Sun Belt Conference, as well as fans.
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