Louisiana Tech Defeats Coastal Carolina in Bowl Game Thriller: 23-14

Louisiana Tech Defeats Coastal Carolina in Bowl Game Thriller: 23-14

Game Result Overview

Louisiana Tech emerged victorious in a hard-fought bowl game, defeating Coastal Carolina by a final score of 23-14. The game, marked by key plays and strong individual performances, saw Louisiana Tech capitalize on crucial opportunities to secure the win. Coastal Carolina fought valiantly, but Louisiana Tech's defense and timely offense proved to be the difference.

Key Individual Performances

Tad Hudson, the Coastal Carolina quarterback, had a busy day, throwing for 311 yards and two touchdowns on 25 of 49 passing attempts. His primary target was Bryson Graves, who racked up 110 receiving yards on seven receptions. Robby Washington also contributed with 47 receiving yards and a touchdown for Coastal Carolina. On the ground, Jevon Edwards led the Chanticleers with 35 rushing yards.

For Louisiana Tech, quarterback Trey Kukuk threw for 114 yards and a touchdown, completing 9 of 19 passes. Marlion Jackson was Kukuk's favorite target, hauling in three receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown. Andrew Burnette led the Louisiana Tech rushing attack with 50 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Sifa Leota of Louisiana Tech made a significant impact, recording two sacks.

Turning Points

The game saw several pivotal moments that swung momentum. In the second quarter, Kaegan Kent of Louisiana Tech successfully kicked a 42-yard field goal, giving Louisiana Tech a boost. Coastal Carolina responded in the third quarter with a 39-yard pass from Tad Hudson to Bryson Graves, setting up a first down at the Louisiana Tech 8-yard line. However, the Bulldogs answered with a 51-yard field goal by John Hoyet Chance, keeping the pressure on Coastal Carolina. A Louisiana Tech penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct in the third quarter gave Coastal Carolina a boost.

The fourth quarter was packed with drama. A 52-yard touchdown pass from Trey Kukuk to Marlion Jackson, followed by a failed two-point conversion, put Louisiana Tech in a strong position. Sifa Leota made a critical play, sacking Tad Hudson for a 14-yard loss and forcing a fumble that Coastal Carolina recovered. Later, a 49-yard punt by John Hoyet Chance, which was fair caught by Bryson Graves, was followed by an offensive holding penalty on Coastal Carolina, costing them valuable yardage and setting up Louisiana Tech to seal the win.

A costly holding penalty in the first quarter hurt Coastal Carolina early. In the third quarter, another holding penalty against Louisiana Tech negated a five-yard run by Clay Thevenin.

Looking Ahead

Louisiana Tech will celebrate a hard-fought bowl game victory, looking to build on this momentum. Coastal Carolina, despite the loss, can take pride in their offensive performance, especially Tad Hudson's passing game. Both teams will now look to regroup and prepare for their next season, aiming to learn from this bowl game experience and improve in the coming year.