2012 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl

Central Michigan University caps off a good season with a 24-21 victory over Western Kentucky University at the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.   In the game played at beautiful and climate controlled Ford Field in downtown Detroit the Chippewas rallied for the victory with a touchdown late in the 4th quarter.

The Chippewas made a late season rush to qualify for a NCAA Bowl Game by winning their last 3 games to finish at 6-6.  Third year starting quarterback Ryan Radcliff wanted to go out of his collegiate career on a winning note.  The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers would be playing in their first ever Bowl Game and where a 6 point favorite over the Chips. 

The win was big for both Ryan Radcliff and Head Coach Dan Enos.  This victory would put to rest any discussion on replacing Enos over the winter.   Also the win would would put a nice finishing touch on Quarterback Ryan Radcliff's 3 year starting at CMU quarterback.  He has put up 3 solid years of numbers but with no championships it was fitting that he would go out with a win in his final game at CMU.   He was also named the MVP of the 2012 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl Game with good numbers by passing for 19 out of 29 for 253 yards and 3 touchdown passes.  

The game should have ended in a tie at 24-24 when the Hilltoppers faced a 4th down and 2 yards to gain.   With a short field goal of 33 yards facing them they decided to go for a first down.   Well the 4th down pass attempt fell short and the ball was turned over to the Chippewas basically to run out the clock.  Interim Head Coach Lance Guidry took the chance to go for the win in regulation and it backfired.  

Central Michigan University was lead by Zurlon Tipton rushing for 101 yards and wide receiver Cody Wilson making 10 catches for 101 yards on the evening.  CMU was playing in its 4th Little Caesars Pizza Bowl since 2006 and was going for just it's second victory in this game.  Despite the poor weather in the Detroit area and across the State of Michigan the Chippewas were represented with a good turnout at the Bowl Game.  Things are going in the right direction for Coach Dan Enos's team despite the fact that two top players were suspended for the Bowl Game.  Things should look promising in Mount Pleasant next fall 2013 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.