Austin Appleby named Purdue's starting QB

WEST LAFAYETTE -- Austin Appleby was named Purdue's starting quarterback by coach Darrell Hazell on Tuesday.

The decision isn't a surprise since Appleby exited spring practice atop the depth chart and remained there throughout summer workouts and training camp.

"I'm glad it's official and now I can focus on getting this team ready to be 1-0," said Appleby, who was informed by Hazell on Tuesday morning.

What does it mean for the 2015 season?

Appleby gives the Boilermakers game experience. He started the final seven games in 2014, but posted a 1-6 record. He won his first start, guiding the Boilermakers to a 38-27 victory at Illinois.

"He did a good job, in my opinion, of taking care of the ball throughout fall camp," Hazell said. "That's what we asked him to do. He made enough of those makeable plays that we asked him to do. That's why we're going with Austin."

He has good chemistry with the offensive line. For the most part, the line is the same group that ended the 2014 season and the continuity they established with Appleby should still exist as Purdue embarks on an important season.

Appleby's accuracy has improved. Granted, this is based on what we saw during training camp. A lot of his throws were put in a position where only the receiver could catch it. He showed an ability to stretch the field, an area that must improve if the offense is going to take a big step forward.

The team's receivers are improved and the addition of junior college transfers Anthony Mahoungou and Domonique Young give the Boilermakers more height on the outside and a chance to win 50-50 balls.

Appleby missed some throws – all quarterbacks do – but failing to connect on the makeable plays will continue to hold this offense back.

Keep this mind – Hazell has changed quarterbacks after five games in his first two seasons based on performance. Danny Etling replaced Rob Henry in 2013 and Appleby took over for Etling at the same point last season.

Why will Appleby be successful?

Asking the Canton, Ohio, native to go out and win the game by himself is unrealistic at this point.

Heading into the opener at Marshall, the Boilermakers will have success on offense if they're able to run the ball effectively. During Appleby's seven starts, Purdue rushed for more than 200 yards three times. While the Boilermakers were 1-2 in those games, the average margin of defeat in the two losses – four points.

But maintaining a high completion percentage is also a must. Appleby completed 66 percent of his passes in the first three games against Illinois, Michigan State and Minnesota but that figure dropped to 48.2 percent the final four games. Did the scouting reports finally catch up with Appleby?

Appleby did lose his favorite target – Danny Anthrop – in the Nov. 1 loss at Nebraska. Anthrop was the only receiver to consistently make plays last season and the passing game suffered down the stretch.

Statically speaking

In seven starts, Appleby completed 54.2 percent of his passes (135 of 249) for 1,360 yards and nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

However, Appleby averaged just 5.4 yards per attempt in his seven starts. Part of it was the offensive system, but the Boilermakers weren't a threat in the deep passing game.

As a team, the Boilermakers ranked last in the Big Ten in yards per attempt (5.1) in overall games and tied for 12th in Big Ten games. Nationally, Purdue ranked 127th out of 128 teams in yards per attempt.

How much was David Blough considered?

The redshirt freshman didn't receive equal number of snaps with the No. 1 offense, but enough to show where he stands right now.

Blough has yet to appear in a game, one factor in Hazell's decision to go with Appleby.

Blough had a more uneven camp than Appleby, partly because of the turnovers. Hazell has always preached ball security from the quarterback position and Blough was a victim of too many mistakes.

There were promising signs.

If Purdue was to run its offense based on plays breaking down, Blough can make a lot of things happen in open space. The Texas native is a strong runner but improved his ability to stay in the pocket and run the offense. Blough doesn't lack for confidence and if Appleby is unable to play because of injury or ineffectiveness, it will be curious to see how the offense operates.