Big Ten, Detroit Lions, ACC partner for new bowl game

Farewell, sweet MACtion. The delicious (and affordable!) action of the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, which was supposed to feature a Big Ten and MAC team but the Big Ten kept finding ways to get out of it, is no more. Instead, the Big Ten and the ACC will face off in a new game held at Detroit's Ford Field, partnered with the NFL's Detroit Lions.

The Big Ten's press release, which did not confirm a relationship with the ACC (that came from ESPN sources), stated that the inagural game will be played in 2014, and that naming rights are pending a sponsorship deal, so the Detroit Lions Bowl is probably not going to happen. Pending a TV broadcast schedule, it is tentatively scheduled for December 30th, 2014.

From the presser: “We are pleased to join with the Detroit Lions in creating this new postseason bowl game in Detroit,” Big Ten Commissioner James E. Delany said. “The city of Detroit has played host to as many big-time sporting events as any other major city in America, from NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four and Regional games to the Super Bowl, World Series and NBA Finals. The support of the business and community leaders of Detroit coupled with a world-class facility in Ford Field and Detroit Lions’ management of the game will result in a meaningful experience for Big Ten teams and their fans.”

The "Detroit Bowl" is likely going to draw from a similar pool as the Little Caesars Bowl, and even a 6-6 Ohio State team might not end up there (the last time the Buckeyes were so aggressively mediocre, they went to the Gator Bowl). If you're into a school like Indiana, Minnesota, Purdue or Illinois though, this could be your chance. Looking forward to a Purdue/Wake Forest showdown in the Motor City next season you guys.

Any ideas for who should sponsor the bowl? Ro-Tel? Barbasol? Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing? We're open to ideas.