The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE inaugural Popeyes Bahamas Bowl brought great exposure to the Bahamas and provided a memorable experience for the participants and fans who were treated to one of the most memorable finishes in NCAA bowl game history.

In the first of six bowl games scheduled to be hosted in the Bahamas, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers withstood a 34-point rally from Central Michigan Chippewas and held on for the 49-48 win at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium on December 24.

Western Kentucky head coach Jeff Brohm reflected on the experience for his team that won a bowl game in its first season in Conference-USA.

“First, I want to thank the Bahamas. I want to thank Popeyes for their sponsorship and all the sponsors that are a part of this tremendous bowl game. I want to thank Conference USA. It’s our first year in the Conference and we couldn’t be happier to be exactly where we’re at right now,” he said. “It’s been an outstanding experience this entire week for not only our players, our coaches, our administration, our fans, but it’s truly been something I think they’ll cherish the rest of their life. It is a premier bowl destination and I think we’re fortunate and lucky to be here. We’ve had a fantastic time. Our players have experienced the culture here. They got to get out in the community. They got to go to the children’s home. They got to put on a football clinic. They came back and they raved about it. They had a great time. They had a great time working with the kids. They’ve had a lot of fun at the Atlantis hotel the entire week they’ve been here.”

WKU senior quarterback Brandon Doughty was named the game’s offensive MVP and finished 31-42 for 486 yards and five touchdowns. “When you get to come to a bowl like the Bahamas, you think it’s going to be pretty cool, but it has exceeded our expectations. Everyone has been awesome and friendly. We’ve just been enjoying our experience, enjoying our teammates, but still kept our focus on playing the football game,” he said. “I think that’s important for us as a team, as a community in Bowling Green. So, it’s been really cool, really different, and something I’ll take with me the rest of my life.”

Hilltoppers junior linebacker Nick Holt finished with eight tackles in the win. “This is the best destination out of any bowl in the country. We’ve had a great time, but one thing we did really well as a team is in the morning we had our meetings and we had our practice – we practiced hard – and we got prepared. But, after that we can all relax. So, we took care of the business side, but also we’re in the Bahamas, you want to go swimming and have fun, and enjoy all the activities and amenities this place has to offer. It’s been fantastic so far.”

Despite the loss, the Chippewas, led by head coach Dan Enos, also offered rave reviews for the experience.

“I’d like to thank Popeyes. I’d like to thank the Bahamian people for their hospitality. Just an unbelievable bowl experience,” he said. “We’ve had, really, a marvelous time. This has been a first-class experience first and foremost for our student athletes but also our coaches, administration and extended families that were able to come with us and participate in this week’s festivities. It’s really been a great trip, from the flight over, getting into Atlantis and being able to practice at the stadium and practice facilities has been good. We’ve had just a great time and appreciate the hospitality.”

Trailing 49-42 with one second left to play, Chippewas quarterback Cooper Rush completed a hail mary to Jesse Kroll and after a series of laterals, the ball found its way into the hands of Titus Davis who dove to the pylon for the game’s tying touchdown.

The Chippewas elected to go for two and the win, however the pass fell to the turf incomplete.

Davis finished with six catches for 142 yards and four touchdowns.

“Coming from Michigan where it’s 20-degrees, and being in 70-degree weather is a big difference,” he said. “That’s probably been the best part for me. Just getting to see everything and experience the things here.”

Central Michigan linebacker Justin Cherocci finished with a game high 10 tackles. “It’s just been a once in a lifetime experience for a lot of us,” he said. “It’s just an amazing place, and there’s a lot to soak in. We’re blessed to be here – so I’m just trying to take it all in.”

The teams combined for 971 yards and 12 touchdowns, both new NCAA FBS bowl game records, and finished with a combined total of 1,254 yards, the second highest of all time.