It's great for the 'Cats to be in a bowl, even if it is a pizza

Gather round students; it's story time.

Once upon a time, in an era when FDR was bombing all of Europe, Alfred Hitchcock was directing cinematic genius and boxing was still a sport people enjoyed, America had only four bowl games to listen to on the radio.

Can you even imagine? No San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl (Utah vs. California)! No Papajohns.com Bowl (Connecticut vs. South Carolina)! No Roady's Humanitarian Bowl either (Bowling Green vs. Idaho).

And without a question there wasn't a Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl (Marshall vs. Ohio).

In 1930, the Rose Bowl was the only game played after the regular season in NCAA football. By 1940, the "bowl season" was expanded to four games (the Rose Bowl, the Cotton Bowl Classic, the Sugar Bowl and the Orange Bowl).

These winter games were played in Florida, California and Texas to promote tourism and industry in the warmer cities. The names were simple and the games were fierce.

Now we have about 35 games to choose from on our high-definition LCD flat screens.

So what in name of Sam Bradford happened to traditions?

I was happy when the 'Cats stomped Miami this year. I was thrilled that Ohio won its side of the Mid-American Conference. And I'm pumped that they get to show off our talent once again in front of a national Audience. But I'll admit that I'm embarrassed to say my school is battling the "Thundering Herd" for a slice of an advertiser's dream.

Couldn't we at least get one of the three staples of a traditional bowl game?

1) The weather: Instead of packing swim trunks and Bermuda shorts, Theo Scott should probably grab some snow boots and a heavy coat for Ohio's game that is anywhere but a sunny resort, Michigan!

2) The stadium: Sure Ford Field is a bowl-looking shape. But it has a lid on it!

3) The name: Everyone knows that the best bowl games have been named in honor of Mother Earth's wonderful gifts (cotton, roses and oranges). Instead, we get a greasy pan of potential clogged arteries.

Despite all of the seemingly negative aspects of Ohio's bowl game, the Bobcats (9-4 overall, 7-1 MAC) could win this one against Marshall (6-6 overall, 4-4 Conference USA). The Bobcats have 12 All-MAC selections on their squad (a team record) and are the leading team in the nation for forced turnovers. Ohio is favored by 2 points.

The 'Cats are strong on both sides of the ball and on Dec. 26 they should be strong in the stands as well. This being only the fourth bowl game ever for the Bobcats, Ohio Athletics has set up one-day bus fares to Detroit from Athens, Lancaster, Columbus, Cleveland and Toledo.

For only $10 for students and $20 for non-students, buses are hauling families and friends to the Motor City for some after-Christmas football. This seems like a better present for a Bobcat student than a case of Nati Light and a package of ping-pong balls.

I haven't eaten a Little Caesars pizza in nearly 10 years, but if my one question is answered soon, then this may be the best bowl game of the year.

Do we at least get a free pepperoni pie if we win the game?

I want a Pizza-Pizza!