December 26th 2009, 1 ET ESPN

The Little Ceasar's Pizza Bowl starts its first season under its new name (Formerly the Motor City Bowl) with the Marshall Thundering Herd team that was present for the first four games in the thirteen year history of this bowl game. This bowl is advertised as the only major bowl game played in the mid-west.

Marshall is 3-1 in the Pizza Bowl and this will be the Ohio Bobcats first appearance.  Ohio leads the all time series 29-17-6, though Marshall has a four game winning streak.  They won the most recent game 16-13 in Athens Ohio. They have not played since Marshall left the MAC for C-USA.

Five years later, how do the teams look?

General

Marshall has faced a tougher test but Ohio has less loses to show for it.  Both have faced several teams as strong as or better than what they will face in Detroit.

Marshall's Ball

Marshall should have some success moving the ball but needs to watch out for Ohio's turnover hungry defense.  Marshall should have a better day on the ground than they are used to but the passing lane will be available also.

Ohio's Ball

Ohio will likely have success in the passing game, but the ground game will be available also.

Prediction

Ohio should be able to leverage a slight statistical lead almost across the board into a solid but close win.

Ohio 24 Marshall 21