MAC strikes deal to get third bowl game
TOLEDO (AP) -- For the first time in its history, the Mid-American Conference will field three teams in bowl games this season after reaching a deal with the Silicon Valley Football Classic, The Blade of Toledo reported Tuesday.
The conference already will send a team to the Motor City Bowl and GMAC Bowl.
The deal with the Silicon Valley bowl is a one-year agreement because the Pacific 10, which has a tie-in with the game, will not have enough bowl-eligible teams this season, said Daniel Fenton, president of the Silicon Valley game.
"It will be a one-year agreement, but I don't want to close the door on a multiple-year agreement," he told the newspaper. "This year may serve as a test for the MAC and the bowl."
MAC spokesman Gary Richter said an official announcement likely would come today.
The MAC has five bowl-eligible teams this season -- No. 25 Bowling Green, Toledo, Northern Illinois, Miami and Akron.
Marshall could become the sixth Saturday if it beats Western Michigan.