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Purdue, Central Michigan stage rematch

Dec 26, 2007 - 3:23 PM Purdue (7-5) vs. Central Michigan (8-5) 7:30 pm EST Motor City Bowl December 26

DETROIT (Ticker) -- Purdue and Central Michigan will stage a rematch from the regular season when the teams meet in the Motor City Bowl on Wednesday.

Purdue will be hoping for a similar result of the first meeting as it coasted to a 45-22 victory at home on September 15.

In the first meeting, the Boilermakers rolled up 402 of their 586 total yards in the first half en route to building a 31-0 cushion.

Curtis Painter enjoyed a huge game for the Boilermakers, completing 29-of-39 passes for 360 yards and three touchdowns.

Painter went on to have a productive season, throwing for 3,300 yards and 26 touchdowns with nine interceptions. The junior's favorite target is Dorien Bryant, who has 82 catches for 871 yards and eight touchdowns.

Employing coach Joe Tiller's spread attack, the Boilermakers finished second in the Big Ten Conference in scoring, averaging 32.9 points.

It was a disappointing finish to the regular season for the Boilermakers, who closed with a three-game losing streak.

Purdue is making its second straight postseason appearance after enduring a 24-7 loss to Maryland in the Champs Sports Bowl last season.

The Chippewas recovered from the early season loss to the Boilermakers by winning the Mid-American Conference for a second straight campaign.

Central Michigan enjoyed the Motor City Bowl last season as it rolled to a 31-14 victory over Middle Tennessee State. The game drew a Motor City Bowl record crowd of 54,113.

Like the Boilermakers, the Chippewas also feature an explosive offensive attack, averaging 33.8 points which led the MAC.

Chippewas quarterback Dan LeFevour is a dual threat. The sophomore has thrown for 3,360 yards and 22 touchdowns while adding 1,008 yards rushing and 10 scores.

In the earlier meeting against the Boilermakers, LeFevour threw for 364 yards and two TDs. He was limited to 26 yards rushing on 10 attempts.