The most improbable Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl entry in recent history, Central Michigan, didn't look happy just to show up and participate in the 88th annual game against Washington State.
Coach Jim McElwain's self-proclaimed team from the land of misfit toys looked happy to lift the trophy after a 24-21 victory.
The Chippewas defense controlled a patchwork Washington State offensive line, tailback Lew Nichols, with 136 rushing yards, spearheaded a creative offense and Central Michigan overcame a second-half stumble to hang on to a game it dominated for large stretches.
A team that on Monday learned it would be playing in El Paso and bused 315 miles from Tucson on Thursday, got everything out of the journey to win the game it saved.