INDEPENDENCE BOWL

Louisiana State (8-3) vs. Notre Dame (7-5), Today, 5 p.m., ESPN * Site: Independence Stadium, Shreveport, La.

* Series history: Notre Dame leads, 4-3.

* Bowl records: Notre Dame 13-8; LSU 13-16-1.

* How they got there: LSU had an impressive win over then-No. 1 Florida and shut out Alabama, but also lost at home to Mississippi and escaped with a one-point win at Vanderbilt; Notre Dame won its last five games, including a 23-22 season-ending squeaker at Hawaii.

* The game: No. 15 LSU is seeking revenge for a 24-6 setback at home to Notre Dame on Nov. 15. There have been only 12 postseason rematches, and only four sweeps. Tailback Kevin Faulk rushed for 1,144 yards (5.6 yards a carry) behind an offensive line that features first-team All-American guard Alan Faneca. For the Irish, quarterback Ron Powlus completed 61% of his passes and, after five years, three broken bones and practically all of Notre Dame’s passing records will play his last college game. Tailback Autry Denson leads a power running game (1,268 yards and 12 touchdowns); the Irish rushed for 260 yards in the first meeting.

* The line: LSU by 6 1/2

LOUISIANA STATE (8-3)

Texas El Paso W: 55-3

Mississippi St. W: 24-9

Auburn L: 31-28

Akron W: 56-0

Vanderbilt W: 7-6

Florida W: 28-21

Mississippi L: 36-21

Kentucky W: 63-28

Alabama W: 27-0

Notre Dame L: 24-6

Arkansas W: 31-21

NOTRE DAME (7-5)

Georgia Tech W: 17-13

Purdue L: 28-7

Michigan St. L: 23-7

Michigan L: 21-14

Stanford L: 33-15

Pittsburgh W: 45-21

USC L: 20-17

Boston College W: 52-20

Navy W: 21-17

LSU W: 24-6

West Virginia W: 21-14

Hawaii W: 23-22