The Quick Lane Bowl is back, but it will kick off slightly earlier than in years past.
The Detroit Lions announced that the bowl game at Ford Field, which was one of several that were canceled last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will return for the 2021 season.
The game will be Dec. 27 but will begin at 11 a.m. on ESPN. Typically, the has been played the day after Christmas in the afternoon or evening.
“We are excited to host the Quick Lane Bowl again in 2021 after a pause in 2020,” said Brad Michaels, executive director of the Quick Lane Bowl and events. “The Detroit Lions are committed to postseason college football in Detroit both as a holiday tradition and keeping the city in consideration for the Big Ten championship game and potential College Football Playoff games.”
The Quick Lane Bowl started in 2014, when the Lions and Ford Motor Company filled the void left by the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl. The game has a tie-in with the Big Ten and the or Mid-American Conference.
Pittsburgh defeated Eastern Michigan in the last Quick Lane Bowl, 34-30, on Dec. 26, 2019.
Contact Kirkland Crawford: kcrawford@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @HiKirkHere.