Western Kentucky, Central Michigan in Pizza Bowl

DETROIT (AP) - Western Kentucky is heading to its first bowl since joining college football's top tier in 2009.

The Hilltoppers will play in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl in Detroit on Dec. 26 against Central Michigan. Western Kentucky (7-5) was also bowl eligible last year but didn't get to play in one.

The Sun Belt Conference team received an invite from the Pizza Bowl, which has ties with the Big Ten and Mid-American conferences. With Ohio State and Penn State ineligible, postseason options from the Big Ten were limited this year.

This is Western Kentucky's fourth season in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Central Michigan (6-6) played in this bowl three straight years from 2006-08.