FORT WAYNE – Joe Holland was with Purdue the last time the team played in a bowl game.

The city, Detroit, was the same. But the experience leading up to this bowl trip has been completely different.

“It really doesn’t compare at all,” the senior linebacker said in a phone interview Tuesday. “I was a part of that team (in 2007), but I didn’t really get a whole lot of satisfaction out of going to a bowl game that year because I didn’t do anything on the field to help get my team there.

“Yes, I was playing scout team at the time, and I had an absolute blast with bowl prep and the whole bowl experience, but to do it as a senior, particularly after a couple of tough years previously, I know myself and the rest of the seniors have really been enjoying this experience.”

Holland was a redshirt freshman in 2007 when Purdue played in what was then called the Motor City Bowl. Purdue (6-6) returns to a bowl game Tuesday, facing Western Michigan (7-5) in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl at Ford Field in Detroit.

“It’s something we’ve really worked hard toward,” Holland said. “I’m having a ton of fun doing it. I’m having a ton of fun at practice and we’re looking forward to getting to Detroit.”

Holland is second on the team with 85 tackles. He is tied for second with 8 1/2 tackles for loss.

“Without Joe doing all his studying for the opponents, knowing all the plays, we wouldn’t probably be as good a defense, doing what we need to do,” defensive tackle Kawann Short said.

“He’s the key to this defense as far as taking leadership and telling us what we need to do and just stepping up and being that role model for everybody.”

Holland has been just as successful in the classroom. He earned first-team Academic All-American honors by the College Sports Information Directors of America. Holland has a 3.96 cumulative grade-point average in movement and sport science.

“I really couldn’t ask for anything more for my college experience here,” he said. “There’s no question Purdue was the perfect fit for me, in terms of having success both academically and athletically. It’s been an unbelievable experience. It’s nice to get an extra month with these guys and this program and to do it by preparing for a bowl game we’re going to have a lot of fun with.”

Holland moved from safety to linebacker during training camp in 2008.

He’s been a fixture at the position for the Boilermakers ever since, starting 47 of his 48 games. His final start will be a new experience.

“I’m looking forward to the whole thing,” he said. “The game, I’m getting kind of sick of playing against my own teammates. That will be fun to strap it up against an opponent I’ve never played before.

“Once we get to Detroit, it’s spending time with my teammates and coaches and hopefully go out the right way as a senior.”

lpope@jg.net