Minnesota head coach Tracy Claeys is a big man. Even in a large crowd, Claeys is the guy who stands out. It was ironic that Claeys stood virtually by himself at the Quick Lane Bowl Media Day held at the Detroit Lions practice facility in Allen Park, Michigan. The Golden Gophers (5-7) were supposed to be the host team as representatives of the Big Ten in the introduction to Quick Lane Bowl festivities. However, it was Central Michigan head coach who found himself swarmed by microphones and cameras, something that gave Claeys a puzzled look.
Bonamego was introduced by Lions' head coach Jim Caldwell as the proverbial lost son who had returned home a success.