Little Caesars Bowl Preview

Western Michigan Broncos (7-5, 5-3 in Mid-American Conference)

Most impressive victory: 38-31 at Connecticut (Oct. 1)

Worst loss: 22-51 at Northern Illinois (Oct. 15)

Notable alumni: Tim Allen, John Saunders, Luther Vandross, Jon Offerdahl and John Harbaugh

The Broncos due-east trek along Interstates 94/96 from Kalamazoo to Detroit is just about 150 miles. The convenience of the short trip, and the decided home-field advantage, should compensate for the lack of a warm-weather or exotic setting for their first bowl game since 2008 (38-14 loss to Rice in the Texas Bowl). WMU finished third in the MAC’s western division. Its 7-5 record includes losses to two Big 10 opponents (at Michigan, 34-10 and at Illinois, 23-20) as well as a win at Connecticut, 38-31, which yours truly attended. Twice this season the Broncos potent spread offense has posted 60+ points: They lost at Toledo 66-63 (Nov. 8) and defeated Terry Bowden’s new club, the Akron Zips, 68-19 (Nov. 25). They also beat in-state rival Central Michigan, at home, 44-14 Sept. 17.

The Broncos best season under head coach Bill Cubit (2005-present) was 9-4 in 2008. They are capable of putting points up though, and their offense (22^nd overall, 8^th in passing) can air it out with the best of them. QB Alex Carder (junior) threw for 3,400 yards and 28 TDs, against 10 INTs. Senior WR Jordan White is his primary target with nearly half of those yards (1,650) and more than half of the TDs (16). Sophomore RB Tevin Drake is the team leader in rushing with 570 yards and 4 TDs. They usually need to pile up points to win; the WMU defense ranks 98^th in the nation and gives up more than 200 rushing yards per game on average.

Purdue Boilermakers (6-6, 4-4 in Big 10 Conference)

Most impressive victory: 26-23 vs. Ohio State (Nov. 12)

Worst loss: 62-17 at Wisconsin (Nov. 5)

Notable alumni: Drew Brees, Bob Griese, Len Dawson, John Wooden and Neil Armstrong

The Boilermakers completed another ho-hum season, finishing third in the Big 10’s Leaders Division. They defeated Southeast Missouri State (59-0) and Middle Tennessee State (27-24), but lost at Rice (24-22). They dropped a game in West Lafayette to Notre Dame (38-10), but defeated in-state rival Indiana (1-11, 0-8) on the road 33-25. The 75^th ranked offense is led by Junior QB Caleb TerBush (1,800 yards, 12 TDs, 6 INTs). RB Ralph Bolden (junior) carried for 675 yards and 6 TDs, but is injured and unlikely to see action against WMU. Junior WR Antavian Edison is the primary target with 560 yards and 3 TDs. Freshman RB Akeem Shavers leads the team in TDs with six.

Purdue is 8-7 all-time in bowl games. Its most recent appearance was a 51-48 win against Central Michigan in the 2007 Motor City Bowl. Head coach Danny Hope is in his third season with a 15-21 record. The 66^th ranked defense is better against the pass (35^th, 203 yards per game) than the rush (86^th, 186 yards per game).

The Picks

Pete: Purdue certainly had the more difficult schedule, but has had few breakout games offensively. The defense is steady and predictable. Though the Boilermakers defend the pass well, WMU’s spread set could test their resources. The Broncos have the ability to connect via quick strike as well as the deep ball, and their receivers are dangerous after the catch.

I look for WMU to step up against their more prestigious opponent. Alex Carder should pass for at least 300 yards. If the Broncos get an early lead or get into a scoring exchange, Purdue will have difficulty keeping up.

Western Michigan 35, Purdue 24

Kevin: I really want to pull the trigger on Western Michigan here, I just can’t seem to do it. Earlier this season the Broncos played two B1G opponents and lost to both of them. They also got rolled by NIU 51-22. On the other hand, Purdue is fresh off of a lackluster victory over Indiana but they did beat tOSU recently. Give me Purdue and stay away from the sports book on this one.

Purdue 28 Western Michigan 24