What Is 2013 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl

Overview

The 2013 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl was the 10th edition of the college football bowl game held annually in Detroit. It featured the Pittsburgh Panthers from the ACC and the Bowling Green Falcons from the MAC, representing their respective conferences under a pre-existing tie-in agreement.

This matchup was notable for both teams’ contrasting seasons—Pittsburgh finished with a 6–6 record, barely bowl-eligible, while Bowling Green posted a 9–3 record and entered the game as favorites. The game was televised nationally on ESPN and drew a stadium attendance of 26,231 fans at Ford Field.

• Teams involved: The Pittsburgh Panthers (ACC) and the Bowling Green Falcons (MAC) competed, fulfilling conference tie-ins for the bowl.
• Game date and venue: Played on December 26, 2013, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, a domed stadium also home to the NFL’s Lions.
• Final score: The Falcons defeated the Panthers 30–24, securing their first bowl win in over two decades.
• Television coverage: Broadcast nationally on ESPN, contributing to the game’s visibility and midday December viewership.
• Historical context: This was Bowling Green’s first bowl victory since 1991, ending a streak of four consecutive bowl losses.

Game Summary and Key Moments

The 2013 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl was a tightly contested game, with both teams trading scores throughout. Bowling Green built a 20–7 lead by halftime, thanks to a strong passing attack led by quarterback Matt Johnson.

• First-quarter action: Pittsburgh struck first with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Tom Savage to Devin Street, leading 7–0 early.
• Second-quarter surge: Bowling Green responded with 17 unanswered points, including a 43-yard field goal and two touchdown passes.
• Third-quarter resilience: The Panthers narrowed the gap with a 34-yard field goal, but failed to convert key third downs.
• Fourth-quarter pressure: Pittsburgh pulled within six points at 30–24 with 5:42 remaining, but could not recover the onside kick.
• Defensive standouts: Bowling Green linebacker Ryan E 2013 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl recorded 12 tackles and a forced fumble, earning defensive MVP honors.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a statistical comparison between the two teams during the 2013 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl:

The Falcons outperformed Pittsburgh in total offense and passing efficiency, with quarterback Matt Johnson throwing for 307 yards and 3 touchdowns. Despite Pittsburgh’s balanced attack, Bowling Green’s ability to convert third downs (8 of 15) and control time of possession proved decisive. The statistical edge across multiple categories underscores why the Falcons were able to maintain their lead in the final minutes.

Why It Matters

The 2013 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl had lasting implications for both programs, particularly for Bowling Green’s resurgence in the MAC. The victory capped a breakthrough season under head coach Dino Babers and elevated the team’s national profile.

• Program momentum: The win marked Bowling Green’s first 10-win season since 1991, finishing with a 10–3 record.
• Recruiting boost: Success in the bowl game helped attract higher-rated recruits to the Falcons’ 2014 class.
• ACC representation: Pittsburgh’s appearance highlighted the ACC’s bowl diversity, though the loss extended their bowl losing streak to three games.
• Little Caesars sponsorship: The game reinforced the brand’s commitment to Detroit, with over $1 million invested in event promotion.
• Player legacy: Bowling Green QB Matt Johnson was named game MVP, enhancing his draft stock for future NFL consideration.
• Regional impact: The game drew fans from both Ohio and Pennsylvania, boosting local Detroit economy by an estimated $4.2 million.

The 2013 edition remains one of the more memorable Little Caesars Pizza Bowls due to its competitive nature and significance for mid-major programs. It exemplified how bowl games can serve as pivotal moments for team development and regional pride.