After all the expert predictions and speculations, The University of Memphis finally accepted a bowl bid to the Motor City Bowl in Detroit on Sunday, marking the Tigers' third straight bowl appearance.
"We are excited about the opportunity to go to Detroit and be a part of their bowl game," said head coach Tommy West. "I think the most exciting thing is that we were chosen by them to be their team."
The Tigers (6-5) will face the Akron Zips, the Mid-American Conference champions, (7-5) Dec. 26 at 4 p.m.
Akron, playing in their first bowl in the school's Division I-A history, is coming off one of their best seasons ever.
After being snubbed last season as the only bowl eligible team in the country not to be invited to a bowl, the Zips took home the MAC championship after a game-winning touchdown catch by Domenik Hixon, the schools leading receiver.
While the Zips' season has been marred by disappointing losses to Ball State and Army, Akron's explosive passing attack and solid defense will help make the Zips more than a worthy opponent for The U of M.
The dynamic duo of quarterback Luke Getsy and wide receiver Hixon has helped Akron to one of the most prolific offensive seasons in the school's history.
Hixon took over the receiver position after starting at free safety two years ago, and he has since set a school record with 68 catches and helped Akron to the 27th ranked passing offense in the country with a 271-yard average through the air this season.
Getsy has seen his share of success this season as well.
After transferring from Pittsburg and taking over for the schools leading passer Charlie Frye, Getsy has thrown for 3,000 yards and 19 touchdowns and helped lead the Zips to a season sweep of MAC rival Northern Illinois and the Tiger's last season's GMAC opponent, Bowling Green.
"It gives us a chance to represent our conference and play against the champion of the MAC," West said. "We got a chance to play a MAC team a year ago, so we know what kind of league they have."
Getsy, who will face the nation's 102nd pass defense in the Motor City Bowl, will try to make the Detroit-based bowl into an early shootout.
Akron has chalked up over 200 yards passing in every game this season except four, including a 413-yard performance by Getsy in the MAC championship game.
While Akron's defense has played solidly this season, the Zip's defensive front has struggled to stop the run consistently.
The nation's leading rusher, and Northern Illinois' own "Heisman-candidate" Garrett Wolfe, rushed for 270 yards against the Zips in the MAC championship game, despite their 31-30 loss.
Wolfe was previously held to 54 yards in the two schools' Sept. 24 meeting.
Despite spotty defensive play, Akron has managed to capture several key wins this season.
The Zips' defeated Bowling Green and swept MAC rival Northern Illinois this season.
Although the Akron is riding high after stealing the MAC championship, their lack of (postseason) experience and inability to stop the run at times will provide a distinct advantage for the Tigers who will place the game, as usual, on the shoulders of running back DeAngelo Williams and quarterback Maurice Avery.
Williams' effectiveness in the Dec. 26 game will boil down to if his health holds up in (postseason) play.
Williams has yet to play in an entire bowl game in his history as a Tiger.
Williams missed the entire New Orleans Bowl in 2003 and was unable to play in the entire second half in the GMAC bowl in 2004.
Avery, on the other hand, may be the most efficient offensive player to start for The U of M.
Despite only starting six games at quarterback, Avery is the team's leading passer, second-leading rusher and is still the Tigers' second leading receiver.
Tickets are available at The U of M athletic office, and are $45 for lower level seats and $55 for club level seats.
