Independence Bowl: Louisiana Tech vs. Miami preview and pick

Louisiana Tech will take on Miami the day after Christmas in the Independence Bowl.

Miami’s season has been defined by mediocrity, and the Hurricanes come in with a 6-6 straight-up record and a 6-6 mark against the spread. They don’t do anything particularly well, but in the bad ACC, they did just enough to get bowl eligible. Louisiana Tech is 9-3 straight up and 7-5 against the spread.

Louisiana Tech vs. Miami, Thursday, 4 p.m. ET, ESPN

QB has been a revolving door for Miami

The biggest problem facing Miami is a lack of quarterback efficiency. The Hurricanes have shuffled quarterbacks and none have been particularly effective. The lack of consistently and ability has contributed to Miami's average of just 24.6 points per game, which ranks 86th in the country.

The Hurricanes are limping into their bowl game off two straight losses to close the season, including one to Florida International as a massive favorite. Jarren Williams is the presumed starter and quarterback, but he has not consistently shown he can lead the offense and distribute the ball to the offensive talent around him.

Louisiana Tech has a proficient offense and averages 35.3 points per game, good for 16th in the country and first in Conference USA. In the Bulldogs' three losses, however, they averaged only 12.7 points per game. Whether we see the offense they displayed in their wins or the one we saw in defeat will likely decide the outcome of this game.

Smith has been a steady presence for LA Tech

Louisiana Tech is led by QB J’Mar Smith, who threw for 2,814 yards and a nice ratio of 17 touchdowns to just four interceptions this season. He also added another 230 yards and three touchdowns on the ground, which could be enough of an added threat to keep Miami’s defense off balance. Louisiana Tech doesn’t have any star receivers, but the Smith distributes the ball evenly, which prevents defenses from being able to key on any one player.

Miami almost certainly had higher hopes for its season. The Hurricanes offensive line shows little drive to excel and finished last in the ACC in rushing yards per game (116.5). Starting running back DeeJay Dallas will not play in the bowl game, and I don’t trust either Miami option at quarterback to lead a one-dimensional offense. Louisiana Tech has the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year leading its attack and will likely have more motivation to make a statement out of this bowl game.

NCAAF free pick: Louisiana Tech +6

---

Bowl season is in full swing! While you're enjoying the holidays, check out all the bowl games at BetAmerica!