:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/25769571/158757265.0.jpg)
The Military Bowl was started in 2008 and is held at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis Maryland. The idea to start the bowl and how to name it, etc. came about via drinks and idle conversation between Marie Rudolph and Sean Metcalf. According to the website, the two were also the driving force behind the bowls eventual creation and naming.
The Contestants: Marshall vs. Maryland
The Thundering Herd's road to the Military Bowl was littered with delusions of grandeur that this was the year they could have beat WVU. Maybe...but then again, maybe not. The 9-4 record and good showing against BCS competition suggests Doc Holliday has Marshall moving in the right direction, though. And Rakeem Cato didn't disappoint with another strong year leading the offense.
Maryland seemingly put all their eggs in one basket this year. After starting the year 4-0 and defeating our beloved Mountaineers they finished the year with a 7-5 record. The Terrapins needed to beat NC State in the final game of the season to ensure they didn't go to a lesser bowl. Which was a sad day in Raleigh because it was Chuck Amato bobblehead day.
Hate Factor
Marshall - The past few years were testing if you know any Marshall fans. I do, and I got real tired of hearing that this was the year seven years in a row. However, the program has made notable strides following the crash of 1970 and now that the series is over between WVU and Marshall it's hard to hate the Herd.
Maryland - Until this year, we had gotten a little overconfident with so many victories in a row against the Terps. This year's loss brought things back into perspective. With their move to the Big 10 drawing near, we should remember to enjoy every Maryland loss before they are off the schedule for good.
Desired Outcome
Cheering for Maryland isn't an option. But adding fuel to the fire that this was the year Marshall could have beaten WVU via transitive properties is just too much to listen to. Therefore, the only outcome that can benefit Mountaineer fans is if the game is called due to incompetence. Because being called due to weather just doesn't have the same ring. Or zing.