according to a report on ESPN.com, “it’s not easy to find corporate sponsors these days, especially in Detroit. The Motor City Bowl knows this, and the game’s organizers are looking beyond the usual suspects for a title sponsor.”

“Bowl officials are talking with both Little Ceasars about bowl sponsorship, and a decision could come in the next few weeks. Former sponsors Chrysler and General Motors have dropped out because of bankruptcy issues, while Ford remains a sponsor. Motor City Bowl CEO George Perles, the former Michigan State coach, told WWJ radio that the bowl’s name would change to the Little Caesars Pizza Pizza Bowl. I’m sorry, but I can’t type that without smiling and thinking of those Little Ceasars commercials from the late 1980s and early 1990s.”

“Needless to say, this would be awesome.  The Motor City Bowl pits a middling Big Ten team against the MAC champion, though only two Big Ten squads have appeared in the game since the tie-in agreement began in 2002. The Big Ten’s agreement with the Motor City Bowl expires after the 2009 season. This year’s game is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Dec. 26. Motor City Bowl executive director Ken Hoffman tells the Free Press that the game could be played without a title sponsor, though it’s likely one will be found,” the story said.