The 1977 Independence Bowl featured the Louisville Cardinals and the Southland Conference champion Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.
Louisville struck first on a 60-yard punt return for a touchdown by Kevin Miller in the first quarter.
Louisiana Tech answered with a 1-yard touchdown run by Lewis to tie the game.
Still in the first quarter, Thibodeaux threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to McCartney to increase Louisiana Tech's lead to 21–7.
In the second quarter, Swiley connected on a 21-yard field goal to give the Dawgs a 24–7 halftime lead.