Gophers Are Going Bowling, Despite 5-7 Record, In Detroit

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota will face Central Michigan in the Quick Lane Bowl in Detroit.

Bowl bids were finalized Sunday. The Gophers will play the Chippewas at Ford Field Dec. 28.

With only 77 teams with six wins or more to fill the 80 postseason spots, the NCAA turned to academic progress rates to determine which three 5-7 squads would be included. Nebraska, San Jose State and the Gophers made the cut.

Minnesota's last bowl win was 11 years ago. The Gophers beat Alabama Dec. 31, 2004 in the Music City Bowl.

Coach Tracy Claeys has a $75,000 bonus for a bowl game appearance in his contract, but playing Central Michigan (7-5, 6-2 Mid-American Conference) means he can't earn an additional $50,000 for beating a major conference team in the postseason.