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posted December 27, 2007 at 12:23 in NCAA F Articles

Preview: When these teams met in September, Purdue handed the Chippewas a sound 45-22 drubbing. Can Central Michigan regain a semblance of respect when they rev their engines for the Motor City Bowl in Detroit just a day after Christmas? If history has any say in the matter, the Chippewas don’t stand a chance.

Central Michigan Offense vs. Purdue Defense

Purdue suffered a late-season collapse in large part due to the injuries they suffered on defense. They have allowed 235.9 passing yards through the air, and have been slightly vulnerable on the ground giving up 150.5 rush yards per game. However, the front-seven for the Boilermakers is much more experienced and athletic than the Chippewas offensive line.

Justin Hoskins, Ontario Sneed and quarterback Dan LeFevour are all dynamic running threats, but the defensive line of the Boilermakers will pin the rushing game to the mat and force LeFevour to beat them through the air. The Chippewas average 271.8 passing yards per game, and will utilize their two running backs as pass-catchers out of the backfield to neutralize the speed and agility of a fierce Purdue defensive front.

LeFevour has showed an inability to take over games with his arm and can easily be forced in to mistakes if he is not permitted to break in to the open field with his feet. Bet on a heavy dose of quarterback spying from the linebackers of Purdue while they look to keep LeFevour grounded, forcing him to the air. LeFevour has 3,360 yards, 23 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Purdue Offense vs. Central Michigan Defense

Central Michigan’s main defensive flaw is their inability to stop – well – anything. They allow 287.4 passing yards per game and get steamrolled for 175.8 yards per game. They will face a heady quarterback in Curtis Painter who can take advantage of a substantially weak second, even with the departure of receiver Selwyn Lymon (conduct detrimental to the team). The Boilermakers have plenty of depth at receiver, and tight-end Dustin Keller is a matchup nightmare for the Chippewas.

The rushing attack for Purdue is not a concern. Both Jaycen Taylor and Kory Sheets average 5.0+ yards per carry and, while the Chippewas usually hold runners to 4.1 yards per carry, Central Michigan will simply have too many weapons to keep an eye on. Painter will be called upon to throw in plenty of situations, forcing the safeties back and eventually opening up lanes for Taylor and Sheets to exploit a slower and overwhelmed front-seven.

NCAA Football Betting Trends

-Central Michigan is 2-2-2 ATS in its last 6 games

-total has gone OVER in 7 of Central Michigan’s last 8 games

-Purdue is 3-5-1 ATS in its last 9 games

-Purdue is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games

Final Verdict

A Motor City Bowl trophy would erase the bitter aftertaste of a three game losing streak by the Boilermakers. They know that they can not drive in to Detroit with confidence. Although they are 3-0 SU in the past three games against Central Michigan, their chief passing threat (Lymon) will be out of action. Everyone in Purdue will have to step their game up for them to win this game. But the defense will shine here as they shut down LeFevour and force him to make mistakes through the air.

Central Michigan Chippewas (8-5) vs. Purdue Boilermakers (7-5)

Wednesday, December 26th --- Ford Field, Detroit --- 7:30pm EST

Opening NCAA Football Line: Purdue -9 (74)

NCAA Football Free Pick: Central Michigan 23 Purdue 35

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