What Is 2009 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl

Overview

The 2009 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl was a postseason NCAA Division I FBS college football game that featured a matchup between the Central Michigan Chippewas and the Troy Trojans. Held on December 26, 2009, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, the game marked the second edition of the bowl, which was previously known as the Motor City Bowl.

Central Michigan, representing the Mid-American Conference (MAC), entered the game with an 8–4 record, while Sun Belt Conference champion Troy came in at 8–4 as well. The game was notable for its high-scoring nature and dramatic finish, with Central Michigan securing a narrow victory.

• December 26, 2009: The game was played on this date, making it one of the earlier bowl games in the 2009–10 postseason schedule.
• Ford Field: Located in downtown Detroit, the indoor stadium hosted the game, providing a climate-controlled environment despite winter conditions outside.
• Central Michigan Chippewas: Represented the MAC after winning the conference title with a 9–3 regular season record, including an 8–1 conference mark.
• Troy Trojans: Won the Sun Belt Conference championship in 2009 with an 8–4 record, earning their spot in the bowl through conference affiliation.
• Final score: 44–41: One of the highest-scoring games in the bowl’s history, showcasing strong offensive performances from both teams.

Game Highlights and Key Moments

The 2009 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl was defined by explosive offensive plays and quarterback dominance, particularly from Central Michigan’s Dan LeFevour, who delivered a standout performance in his final collegiate game.

• Dan LeFevour: Threw for 378 yards and 3 touchdowns and rushed for 2 more scores, earning MVP honors in his final college appearance.
• First-quarter scoring: Troy jumped out to an early lead, scoring 14 points in the first quarter, capitalizing on a short field after a CMU turnover.
• Third-quarter surge: Central Michigan outscored Troy 21–7 in the third quarter, including a 75-yard touchdown pass from LeFevour to Antonio Brown.
• Antonio Brown: Caught 13 passes for 178 yards and 1 touchdown, showcasing his future NFL potential in what was his final college game.
• Fourth-quarter lead changes: The lead changed hands three times in the final quarter, highlighting the back-and-forth nature of the contest.
• Game-winning drive: Central Michigan drove 72 yards in 10 plays in the final minutes, culminating in a 1-yard LeFevour touchdown run with 1:37 left.

Comparison at a Glance

A side-by-side comparison of key team and individual statistics from the 2009 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl reveals the offensive firepower on display.

The statistical comparison underscores the offensive balance both teams displayed. Central Michigan’s ability to convert on third downs and LeFevour’s dual-threat performance gave them a slight edge in crucial moments, despite Troy’s strong defensive efforts and consistent rushing attack.

Why It Matters

The 2009 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl holds significance beyond just the final score, as it marked the culmination of careers for several future professional players and highlighted the growing competitiveness of non-power conference teams.

• Dan LeFevour’s legacy: Finished his college career with over 10,000 passing yards and 14,000 total yards, ranking among the NCAA’s all-time leaders.
• Antonio Brown’s emergence: His performance boosted his NFL Draft stock; he was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2010 NFL Draft.
• MID-AM vs. Sun Belt: The game provided national exposure for both the MAC and Sun Belt, conferences often overlooked in major bowl discussions.
• High-scoring trend: The 85 combined points reflected a shift toward more aggressive, pass-oriented offenses in college football during the late 2000s.
• Detroit’s bowl presence: The game helped solidify Ford Field as a viable bowl venue, contributing to the city’s sports tourism profile.
• Final Motor City-era game: This was the last edition before the bowl rebranded fully as the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, marking a transition in sponsorship and identity.

The 2009 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl remains a memorable chapter in college football postseason history, remembered for its thrilling action, individual performances, and the showcase it provided for under-the-radar programs and players on a national stage.