This year’s Motor City Bowl is a rarity, as it’s a rematch between two teams that already faced off once during the season. The Big Ten’s representative in this year’s bowl are the Purdue Boilermakers, while the Mid-American Conference champs are the Central Michigan Chippewas.

The Boilermakers closed out the season on a three-game losing streak and finished the year with a 7-5 record. Purdue boasted the second-best offense in the Big Ten, which made up for their lackluster defense. Quarterback Curtis Painter passed for 3300 yards with 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions this season. Running back Kory Sheets rushed for 832 yards on 156 carries and found the end zone nine times. Receivers Dorien Bryant and Dustin Keller both recorded more than 700 receiving yards, with Bryant catching eight touchdowns and Keller hauling in six TDs.  

The Chippewas won the MAC title after posting an 8-5 record. Quarterback Dan LeFevour can beat you with his arm or with his legs. LeFevour passed for 3360 yards with 23 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while also leading Central Michigan with 1008 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. Running back Justin Hockins rushed for 649 yards and had 10 touchdowns, while Bryan Anderson led the Chippewas with 1003 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

When the Boilermakers and Chippewas faced off back in September Purdue topped Central Michigan 45-22 as a 21.5-point favorite. Painter threw for 360 yards with three touchdowns for Purdue in the win, while LeFevour passed for 364 yards with two touchdowns and an interception for Central Michigan. Sheets ran all over the Chippewas for 144 yards on 21 carries with a couple of touchdowns. In the rematch the Boilermakers are an 8-point favorite .