For those concerned about about the Big Ten and MAC continuing their classic Little Caesars Bowl clashes, you can breathe a little easier this afternoon.
According to a press release, the Big Ten and Mid-American Conference have reached an agreement to extend their affiliation with the Little Caesars Bowl, held annually in Detroit at Ford Field and previously known as the Motor City Bowl. The Big Ten has agreed to send their No. 8 team to the bowl, while the MAC will alternate sending their No. 1 and No. 2 teams.
The agreement keeps the conferences tied to the bowl through the 2013 season.
“We are thrilled to continue our association with the prestigious Big Ten Conference,” Little Caesars Pizza Bowl Chairman and Executive Director Ken Hoffman said in a statement. “The presence of Big Ten teams in our bowl has created considerable fan interest as well as some of the most exciting and competitive games in our history. And with Little Caesars locations across the country, awareness for the game is heightened.”
“We are excited to extend our affiliation with the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl and provide even more bowl opportunities for our student-athletes, coaches and fans,” said Big Ten Commissioner James E. Delany. “Big Ten appearances in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl have produced some of the event’s most memorable matchups and we look forward to more exciting competition. With the number of Big Ten alumni in the Detroit area and an outstanding facility like Ford Field, the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl is a natural addition to our bowl lineup.”
The bowl also announced a back-up agreement with the Sun Belt Conference, in the event that the Big Ten does not have an available bowl-eligible team to play in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.
