The college bowl season continues with a couple of big games for Louisiana schools coming up. Tomorrow, Louisiana Tech takes on the University of Illinois in the Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl. The Fighting Illini come into the contest with a 6-6 record, after finishing the their schedule with two big wins against Penn State and Northwestern. The 8-5 Bulldogs won the West Division of Conference USA and fell to Marshall in the Conference Championship game 26-23. Tech is looking for their first bowl win since 2008. Kickoff is scheduled for noon tomorrow on ESPN

On December 30 in Nashville, the 22nd ranked LSU Tigers face off with the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame in the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl. Both of these teams were ranked in the Top 10 at some point this season. The 7-5 Irish come into this matchup having lost their last four games of the season. LSU has an 8-4 record, having lost two of their last three. The game will be broadcast on ESPN beginning at 2PM Tuesday.

Northwestern State football coach Jay Thomas has been given a two year contract extension.

Two Conference USA teams were victorious in college bowl action yesterday. Western Kentucky won a wild Popeyes Bahamas Bowl as they held off Central Michigan 49-48. The Hilltoppers lead 49-14 after three quarters, then Central Michigan lit up the scoreboard with 34 fourth quarter points. A failed two-point conversion by the Chippewas, with no time left on the clock, gave the win to Western Kentucky. Both teams combined for over 1,200 yards of total offense in the game. The Hilltoppers finish the season at 8-5.

In last night’s Hawaii Bowl, Rice crushed the Fresno State Bulldogs 30-6. Rice quarterback Driphus Jackson threw two touchdown passes in a span of 19 seconds in the first quarter and that’s all the Owls needed to take home the trophy. Rice finishes the year at 8-5.

Six Saints were sidelined for Wednesday’s practice. Safety Jamarca Sanford, defensive end Akiem Hicks, nose tackle John Jennings, running back Pierre Thomas, and tackles Zach Strief and Terron Armstead did not participate due to injury. The Saints end their season Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.