Purdue vs. Western Michigan: The 7 Best Matchups of the Little Caesars Bowl

If you're a fan of any of the following: the city of Detroit, Pizza, Purdue football, or explosive passing offenses, then make sure you tune into the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl on Dec. 27.

Purdue and Western Michigan may be two mediocre teams that aren't exactly appealing to a nationwide audience, but don't be fooled—there will certainly be a few players that are worth watching in this game.

Here's a look at which team holds the edge in the key individual position battles for the game.  

QB: Alex Carder vs. Caleb TerBush and Robert Marve

This will be a two vs. one quarterback battle, as Purdue employs a two-quarterback system of Caleb TerBush and Robert Marve, but in this case, that one quarterback just so happens to be better than anyone that Purdue has to offer under center. 

Western Michigan's Alex Carder enjoyed a terrific junior campaign in 2011.

The 6'2'', 225-pound junior completed 67 percent of his passes for 3,434 yards and hit 28 touchdown strikes. 

Carder is one of the true hidden gems of college football, and he has plenty of experience going up against a BCS defense, as the Broncos played Michigan, Illinois and Connecticut this season.

Advantage: Western Michigan

RB: Tevin Drake vs. Akeem Hunt

It's a shame that Purdue RB Ralph Bolden tore his ACL again and won't be able to compete in this game, which means that the brunt of the rushing workload will now fall onto the shoulders of Akeem Hunt. 

Hunt only had 29 carries this season, but he did average 8.6 yards per carry and score two touchdowns. 

Still, the running back advantage will obviously go to Western Michigan, who has Tevin Drake. 

Although he doesn't get the chance to carry the ball all that much in Western Michigan's pass-heavy offense, Drake still managed to average 5.6 yards per carry this season. 

Advantage: Western Michigan 

WR: Jordan White vs. Antavian Edison

There's no question who the best wide receiver will be in this game. 

Western Michigan All-American wide receiver Jordan White was the most productive receiver in the country this season. 

White hauled in 127 passes for 1,646 yards and scored 16 touchdowns in 2011. 

He may not be the fastest wide receiver in the country, but there's no arguing with White's consistent production. The 6'0'', 215-pound senior had nine or more catches in all but three games he played in.

Advantage: Western Michigan

DL: Kawann Short vs. Drew Nowak

If you're looking for the best NFL draft prospect playing in this game, look no further than Purdue DT Kawann Short. 

Short stepped out of the shadow of former star teammate Ryan Kerrigan and had a monster campaign in 2011. 

The 6'3'', 310-pound junior racked up 6.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss this season, and was a constant menace in opponents' backfields all season long. 

Western Michigan's Drew Nowak had himself a great year too, as he notched 20 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks, but as far as overall talent is concerned, Nowak just can't compare to Short. 

Edge: Purdue

DB: Ricardo Allen vs. Johnnie Simon

In a game that's shaping up to be a shootout, both teams are going to need their top defensive backs to step up and play their best. 

For Purdue, that's CB Ricardo Allen, a 5'9'', 175-pound junior who picked off three passes and recorded 71 tackles this season. 

For Western Michigan, that's safety Johnnie Simon, a 6'0'', 180-pound junior who picked off two passes and notched 103 tackles in 2011. 

The two DB's are both talented young defenders who each have bright futures, but Allen truly has the potential to turn into a premier defender. If he performs well against Jordan White in this game, he should cause some considerable buzz for himself for next season. 

Edge: Purdue

K: Carson Wiggs vs. John Potter

Don't be surprised if this game ends up coming down to a special teams play, and a late field goal could end up deciding things. 

Both of these kickers have had fairly solid years this season.

Purdue's Carson Wiggs has knocked through 16 of his 21 attempts, while Western Michigan's John Potter made 15 of his 21 attempts. 

Their field goal percentages are about the same, but Wiggs has proven that he has the stronger leg (six field goals of over 40 yards). 

Edge: Purdue

Coaches: Danny Hope vs. Bill Cubit

Neither of these two coaches are going to win any Coach of the Year Awards for the seasons their teams had, as they had a combined 13 wins between them.

This will be the first bowl game for Danny Hope during his three years at Purdue, while it will be the third go-around for Western Michigan's Bill Cubit, who lost the first two games he coached in.

Hope is a good coach, who earned some brownie points for beating Ohio State in Columbus this season, and it will be interesting to see if he has his team prepared for the postseason. 

Edge: Purdue