Purdue’s BIG DRUM saw lots of action during the 2011 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl at Ford Field. Purdue beat Western Michigan 37-32 in front of 44,500. Senior Purdue right guard Nick Mondek of Naperville, Illinois had a monster of a game for the winners.
Photo by Johnathon Knight, Rolco Sports Network
The Boilermakers’ fourth touchdown of the game came on a 33-yard TD pass from Caleb TerBush to Gary Bush in the third quarter. Wiggs added three field goals for the winners. Gerald Gooden had two interceptions while Albert Evans and Taylor Richards each had a pick. The Boilermaker defense also recovered three Broncos’ fumbles.
Senior Jordan White was spectacular for WMU, even when doubled teamed. He wound up with a WMU record 265 yards on 13 receptions. Sophomore Josh Schaffer had two strips that he recovered for WMU highlights.
The Broncos had a chance to win with less than two minutes left but quarterback Alex Carder fumbled.
With the victory, Purdue finishes the season 7-6, its first winning season since 2007. That same year they beat Central Michigan here at the same Bowl on the last play of the game. WMU also ended the year at 7-6.
It was a strong and realistic 44,500 at Ford Field which both schools marching bands kept the crowd spirited and energized throughout. The Purdue team gave the game ball to head coach Danny Hope who recently got a two year contract extension.