2008 PapaJohns.com Bowl

The 2008 PapaJohns.com Bowl was held Monday, December 29, 2008. Ticket prices increased to $40 for the matchup between the North Carolina State Wolfpack and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. North Carolina State, an Atlantic Coast Conference team, received an at-large bid because no eligible Southeastern Conference teams were available.

A pre-game pep rally and street festival was held at Five Points South with music by the Martini Shakers and Just a Few Cats featuring Ruben Studdard. Mayor Larry Langford had the 5 Points circle painted red for the occasion.

Rutgers came from behind to defeat the Wolfpack 29-23. Quarterback Mike Teel led the Scarlet Knights with 319 passing yards, including 2 touchdowns. Teel was named the game's MVP, and Rutgers finished the season 8-5. North Carolina State fell to 6-7. Attendance for the game was 36,387.

Birmingham Bowl
Site:Legion Field (2006–2020), Protective Stadium (2021–)
Names: Papajohns.com Bowl (2006–2010), BBVA Compass Bowl (2011–2014), Birmingham Bowl (2015–2017), Jared Birmingham Bowl (2018), TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl (2020–2022), 76® Birmingham Bowl (2023)
By year: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, Jan. 2015, Dec. 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

References

• Solomon, Jon (May 1, 2008) "Papajohns.com Bowl plans to serve up SEC-Big East match on Dec. 29." The Birmingham News