The Purdue Boilermakers represent the Big Ten against MAC foe Western Michigan in the 2011 Little Caesars Bowl. Purdue had an unimpressive season and stayed around the .500 mark all year finishing 6-6 overall and 4-4 in conference play. They had what seemed like a big win against 6-1 Illinois on October 22nd, but then Illinois never won again and also finished 6-6. The Broncos of Western Michigan won their final two games to finish 7-5 overall.
When Western Michigan is on Offense
The Broncos had a high scoring offense this year at 35.6 points per game. They had the 8th best passing offense in the country at 328.8 yards per game. Quarterback Alex Carder went over 3,000 yards passing for the second season in a row. Wide receiver Jordan White led the nation in catches (127) and receiving yards (1,646) and finished second in receiving touchdowns (16). With 75 yards in the Little Caesars Bowl, White would reach 4,000 yards for his career.
Purdue had the 65th best scoring defense at 26.4 points per game. The Boilermakers’ defense that only managed 21 sacks and 8 interceptions doesn’t seem to match up well against a passing team like the Broncos. They will need to find a way to slow down Jordan White, but can’t forget about the Broncos other receivers as well.
When Purdue is on Offense
At only 371.4 yards per game, the Boilermakers’ offense ranked 79th in the nation and their 26.1 points per game was 69th in the country. Purdue does not really have a go to playmaker on offense. Quarterback Caleb TerBush only completed 61% of his passes this year and finished with 12 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Running backs Ralph Bolden and Akeem Shavers put up pedestrian numbers this season. Freshman Akeem Hunt was impressive in limited action with 249 yards on 8.6 yards per carry. Hunt put up 100 yards on 10 carries in the season finale for Purdue.
The good news for Purdue’s offense is that Western Michigan’s defense wasn’t very good this year giving up 28.0 points per game. The Broncos defense gave up 51 points to Northern Illinois and 66 points to Toledo this season.
2011 Little Caesars Bowl Pick Against the Spread
Oddsmakers currently have Purdue favored by 2.5 points over Western Michigan. This should be a high scoring affair with two below averaged defenses doing their best to keep points off the board. The Broncos passing attack should be able to move the ball against the Boilermakers, especially wide receiver Jordan White. I like Western Michigan to win out right so I’ll take the Broncos with the points.
2011 Little Caesars Bowl Prediction
Western Michigan – 34
Purdue – 31
Source
espn.go.com/college-football/bowls