Before the Bobby Petrino era begins at Western Kentucky, there's a bowl game to play - the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl against Central Michigan.

The game at Ford Field tonight is in Detroit, not far from the campus of the Chippewas (6-6). The Hilltoppers (7-5) will be run by interim coach Lance Guidry.

Petrino's hiring has almost overshadowed the play of the Hilltoppers. They are in their first bowl since becoming a top-tier college football school in 2009.

Petrino is returning to coaching less than a year after he was dismissed at Arkansas. He had hired his former mistress to work in the Razorbacks' football department.

Guidry, who was the team's defensive coordinator, says his players are ready.

"These kids are really hungry," Guidry said. "Really been having some great practices, although they've been going through a lot of different things with the head coaches."

- Associated Press