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Louisiana Tech edges Northern Illinois in Independence Bowl

Dec 29, 2008 - 4:47 AM SHREVEPORT, Louisiana (Ticker) -- Daniel Porter finished with 102 total yards and a touchdown as Louisiana Tech defeated Northern Illinois, 17-10, on Sunday night in the Independence Bowl.

Phillip Livas had a 97-yard kickoff return for a score for the Bulldogs (8-5), who closed out the season with five wins in their last six games.

Chandler Harnish passed for 178 yards and a TD with two interceptions for the Huskies (6-7), who lost four of their final five contests. Harnish also rushed for 60 yards.

Porter scored the go-ahead touchdown on an 11-yard rush with 13:40 left in the second quarter, giving Louisiana Tech a 14-7 advantage. The junior running back, who rushed for 78 yards on 18 carries, set up the score with a 24-yard reception to Northern Illinois' 2-yard-line.

The Bulldogs' defense took over from there, allowing 329 yards from scrimmage and forcing four turnovers.

The Huskies opened the scoring with 1:56 remaining in the first quarter when Harnish found Kyle Skarb for an 8-yard touchdown.

But Livas answered on the ensuing kickoff, finding a lane down the left sideline and using a stop-and-go move to deke the final defender on his way to the end zone. It was the sophomore's first kickoff return for a TD this season and second career.

Ross Jenkins completed 12-of-27 passes for 144 yards for Louisiana Tech.