Little Caesars Pizza Bowl: Western Michigan vs. Purdue

Present Iteration: Little Caesars Pizza Bowl
Past Iterations: Motor City Bowl, Ford Motor City Bowl
Toasting Town: Detroit, Michigan
Vintage: 1997
Combatants: Western Michigan (7-5) vs. Purdue (6-6)
Holiday Equivalent: Trip With Relatives to Boring Local Museum

If you’re watching this game, you gambled on it. If you gambled on it, you’re a degenerate. A MAC team capable of punching above its weight. A Big Ten team susceptible to a good punch. Both teams within driving distance. This is the perfect Little Caesars Bowl. Buckle your seat belts.

Western Michigan Broncos [SRS 65]
Best Wins: Connecticut (73), Miami of Ohio (84)
Losses: at Michigan (9), at Toledo (31), at Illinois (53), at Northern Illinois, at Eastern Michigan (105)
Famous Alum: Tim Allen

The Broncos beat Connecticut on the road, lost by field goals to Toledo and Illinois and gave Michigan fits for a half. They have a Top 25 quarterback, Alex Carder, and a stable of good wide receivers. The best is Jordan White who led the nation in receptions per game (10.6), yards per game (137.2) and was second in touchdown receptions (16). Look for them to press that advantage with four and five-receiver sets and to use quick routes to diffuse Purdue’s pass rush.

Purdue Boilermakers [SRS 71]
Best Wins: Ohio State (34), Illinois (53)
Losses: at Wisconsin (7), at Michigan (9), Notre Dame (17), at Penn State (29), Iowa (36) at Rice (102)
Famous Alum: Ted Allen

Purdue is looking for its first winning season since 2007, when the Boilermakers beat Central Michigan 51-48 in this same bowl game. It has been an exciting few years. Even without Ralph Bolden, their running game should have success. Their pair of Akeems, Shavers and Hunt, have had success in spots. They can also run the read option with Caleb Turbush. Western Michigan is 118th in the nation in yards allowed per carry.

Key: Ricardo Allen covering Jordan White. This game should be close, decided, perhaps, by one big play. It is probable one of those two will be the one that makes it.

For Recreational Purposes: Western Michigan (+2)

[Photo via Getty]

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22 Responses to “Little Caesars Pizza Bowl: Western Michigan vs. Purdue”

Billy Buckner Says:
December 27th, 2011 at 4:15 PM

I can honestly say I’ve never had Little Caesar’s.

Jay V Of Considerable Influence Says:
December 27th, 2011 at 4:18 PM

Western Michigan (-2)

You mean +2?…I don’t think W.Michigan has been favored at any time.

VladimirCrouton Says:
December 27th, 2011 at 4:21 PM

I can honestly say I’ve never had Little Caesar’s.

Despite what you’ll here, it’s not bad for 5 bucks if crackheads or dip shit hipsters are making it.

VladimirCrouton Says:
December 27th, 2011 at 4:22 PM

*are not making it

Rat Face Krzyzewski Says:
December 27th, 2011 at 4:23 PM

I can honestly say I’ve never had Little Caesar’s.

It’s nothing spectacular, but their $5 Hot N’ Ready pizzas are a good value.

The Wayne Fontes Safari Says:
December 27th, 2011 at 4:27 PM

If you’re watching this game, you gambled on it.

There at least should be quite a bit of scoring for fans of decent offenses vs. shitty defenses.

Babar 2.0 Says:
December 27th, 2011 at 4:27 PM

I’ll save TBL the time…this is for the Round Up tomorrow:

Western Michigan edges out Purdue in a sparsely attended affair (link to MLive)

oskie Says:
December 27th, 2011 at 4:28 PM

Despite what you’ll here, it’s not bad for 5 bucks if crackheads or dip shit hipsters are making it.

I remember being in high school and getting $0.37 slices for their 37th anniversary.

FredSanford Says:
December 27th, 2011 at 4:29 PM

When is the Papa John’s Bowl. I need to air some grievances.

Happy Festivus!

José Ovechkin Says:
December 27th, 2011 at 4:30 PM

This is the perfect Little Caesars Bowl. Buckle your seat belts.

No that was Central Michigan against Purdue, back when it was the Motor City Bowl.

The Wayne Fontes Safari Says:
December 27th, 2011 at 4:33 PM

Western Michigan edges out Purdue in a sparsely attended affair

Actually they are expecting to be at 75 – 80% capacity.

oskie Says:
December 27th, 2011 at 4:33 PM

Actually they are expecting to be at 75 – 80% capacity.

degenerate gamblers.

/Duffy

KingGrizz Says:
December 27th, 2011 at 4:36 PM

Someone once said on these very boards that Papa John looked like a robot, I think about that every commercial.

REAAAZY de Illadelph Says:
December 27th, 2011 at 4:43 PM

Pizza? Meh. The crazy bread is the tits!

Der Kaiser Says:
December 27th, 2011 at 4:50 PM

Can’t knock Little Caesers. For five bucks, that shit will fill you up. I’m actually watching this game right now, because my remote fell on the ground and I’m too lazy to pick it up. They just ran the state farm ad. The one with “jake”. Why is it that the wife’s first question is “what are you wearing”? Seems like an odd question to ask.

Space Docking the Blue Waffle Says:
December 27th, 2011 at 4:52 PM

That’s it, pizza is dinner tonight.

Babar 2.0 Says:
December 27th, 2011 at 4:55 PM

Why is it that the wife’s first question is “what are you wearing”? Seems like an odd question to ask.

In reality, she would have started out with “Listen you fucking whore…”, which doesn’t play well for a TV commercial.

ButtersBC Says:
December 27th, 2011 at 5:05 PM

Little Caesers is shit, might as well buy a frozen pizza and wait out the 13 minute prep time…they should give the crazy bread formula to a better chain for the good of the nation

Billy Buckner Says:
December 27th, 2011 at 5:09 PM

I hate Papa John’s pizza, and for that matter, Papa John himself. Seems like a douchebag, and his commercials suck.

vezina Says:
December 27th, 2011 at 5:36 PM