1st Quick Lane Bowl Game in Detroit

Ford Field hosted the first Quick Lane Bowl Game between Rutgers (Big Ten) and North Carolina (ACC) on Friday December 26th.   This game is a brand new NCAA Bowl Game that falls on the same date that the previous Little Caesars Bowl and Motor City Bowl fell on.   The Ford Motor Company and the Detroit Lions have taken over the lead to have a Holiday Bowl game in the Motor City. 

In speaking with Tom Lewand President of the Quick Lane Bowl he stated "that both the Big Ten and ACC are very happy will the bowl game to this point."  "We have a 6 year contract with the NCAA and ESPN to host the game at Ford Field."   "The dates may change in the future but most likely will be between Christmas and New Years Day."   Lewand who also serves as the Detroit Lions team President was smiling brightly as the game was just starting.   He concluded by saying that "we want to make this a destination game for the teams involved."

Rutgers who came in with a 7-5 record would roll to a 23-0 lead at halftime.  They would build upon that with a 30-7 lead midway through the 3rd quarter in front of the 23,876 fans at Ford Field.   The weather even cooperated with the temp being 46 degrees in downtown Detroit at kick off.  

Rutgers would gain 340 yards on the ground with game MVP Josh Hicks picking up 202 yards.   His counterpart Robert Martin ran for 100 yards and 2 touchdowns.   Rutgers quarterback Gary Nova had a good day passing with 184 yards and 2 touchdown tosses.    North Carolina struggled couldn't get much going and didn't basically score until the 4th quarter when the game had already been decided.   Tarheel quarterback Marquies Williams threw for 198 yards and 1 touchdown.  He also ran 15 times for 51 yards and a score. 

I can see this Bowl Game picking up steam the Big Ten connected to it when a team that is located closer to Ford Field is selected to play.   With the two teams from a distance they still drew a good crowd for this first try.   I can see a full house if Michigan or Michigan State were playing.   Time will tell.