Purdue made its first bowl game since 2007 a winning one. Akeem Shavers rushed for 149 yards as the Boilermakers topped Western Michigan 37-32 in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl Tuesday at Ford Field in Detroit.
Here are the highlights.
Key play: Raheem Mostert returned a kick 99 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter, giving Purdue a 17-15 lead. Purdue led the rest of the game.
Key stats: Seven. The Boilermakers forced seven turnovers. Purdue had four interceptions (Gerald Gooden had two interceptions) and recovered three fumbles.
Special: In addition to the kickoff return for a score, Purdue recovered two onside kicks. Kicker Carson Wiggs also kicked three field goals.
Other awards: Linebacker Joe Holland was named the lineman of the game. He had a team-high nine tackles.
Bowl history: Purdue improved to 9-7 in bowl games.
Quotable:
"Coming to Detroit and participating in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl was an opportunity for us to be champions at the end of the season, and I knew that our football team would not be denied."
- Purdue coach Danny Hope
