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Although the Lions played Sunday, football isn't over this week for Ford Field. Monday Dec. 28 marks the second Quick Lane Bowl, a continuation of college football's bowl season in Detroit since the Motor City Bowl began in 1997. The Detroit Lions own and operate the bowl, making them the only NFL team to do so.
The Minnesota Golden Gophers will take on the Central Michigan Chippewas. The Gophers finished the FBS season 5-7, 2-6 in the Big Ten, while the Chippewas finished 7-5, 6-2 in the Mid-American Conference. Although Central Michigan has played bowl games in Detroit before, this is the first time for both teams in the new Quick Lane Bowl, which featured Rutgers and North Carolina in the inaugural game last year.
The bowl season in college football has swollen with bowl games. Although there's plenty to be argued about the value of a given bowl game, it's always been part of a frenzy to end the college football year. The dates may change and the number of games may increase, but these football teams look for one final fight to go out, unburdened by their record or conference standings. College bowl games have been about putting on a show, and the one in Detroit looks to be no exception.
As a note for our regular readers, we've also received quite a few interesting pieces of swag from the Quick Lane people as part of our partnership with them to preview the bowl game. We'll be looking to give away a few pieces in the coming weeks to get this out of our kitchen. What do we have? Now now, that would be telling. You'll just have to stay tuned to Pride Of Detroit to find out.
In the meantime, why not enjoy some college football in Detroit? It's the tail-end of the holiday season and the dead period waiting for the New Year, and there's still plenty of football to fill the void. If you want to tune in, the pertinent information is below. We've also previously profiled both teams that will be taking the field on Monday.
Read our Central Michigan Chippewas preview.
Read our Minnesota Golden Gophers preview.
Date and time: Mon., Dec. 28, 5 p.m. ET
TV channel: ESPN2
Online: WatchESPN
Location: Ford Field, Detroit, MI.
Social Media: @Quicklanebowl #Quicklanebowl (Twitter & Instagram)
Odds: Minnesota favored by 4.5
SB Nation coverage: The Daily Gopher (Minnesota), Hustle Belt (Mid-American Conference)
Quick Lane is supporting Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in building awareness and raising funds through the Quick Lane Bowl festivities. The Ford Motor Company Fund is leading the way with a contribution of $50,000 to DAV. The Quick Lane Bowl will donate $10 for every ticket purchased through the DAV by going to www.helpkeepthepromise.org.