Mike Carmin

mcarmin@jconline.com

When Austin Appleby was informed in training camp that Danny Etling was Purdue's opening day starting quarterback, he didn't flinch.

He kept his head down and put in the same work and the same effort as he has since arriving on campus. His preparation continued at the highest level. Appleby was confident his time would eventually come.

Only coach Darrell Hazell knows if it's Appleby's time Saturday against No. 11 Notre Dame at Lucas Oil Stadium. On Tuesday, Hazell didn't divulge whether Etling or Appleby would get the start against the Fighting Irish.

"I have no idea who's going to take the snap on Saturday," Appleby said after Tuesday's practice. "I can't control that. I don't get paid to make those decisions. What I can control is the film I'm going to watch when I say goodbye to you guys, the effort I put in my practice out here, my focus and my attitude with my teammates and the way that I push them and the way we can get this offense going. When my number is called, I'm going to do the very best that I can for this team and this university."

He was summoned early in the fourth quarter in last week's loss to Central Michigan after Etling continued to struggle. His first pass was a touchdown to Danny Anthrop, covering 23 yards. Otherwise, Appleby completed 6 of 16 passes for 55 yards.

This was Appleby's second career appearance, and both times the Boilermakers were trailing. He craves the opportunity to perform in game situations with normal down-and-distance scenarios. Whether that's Saturday or another time remains to be seen.

With Purdue down double digits to the Chippewas, all Appleby could do was throw against a defense expecting the pass.

"I'm looking forward to the opportunity of putting some drives together and not have it be against the clock or trying to make something happen," he said. "There's a situation down two scores with four minutes. I should've stayed in the offense. I tried to make too many things happen, maybe. I'm trying to help this team win."

Through two games, the passing game is struggling.

Etling hasn't been sharp, missing receivers, and the lack of efficiency is keeping the offense from showing progress. The sophomore has completed only 51.4 percent of his passes for 304 yards. But Etling has also been victimized by drops and receivers failing to get open in a timely fashion.

Offensive coordinator John Shoop said Etling's "mechanics are strong. He's got to work through it, and he will."

But Shoop was quick to point out that the burden doesn't solely fall on the quarterback.

"It's never one thing. We've got to do a better job of getting open and when we do get open, we've got to do a better job of hitting them," he said. "You can't pinpoint one thing. Guys have got to get open, and when they get open on time and in the right spot, we've got to hit them."

While others have to help boost the production, Appleby is fully aware of the quarterback's responsibility.

"The team goes as the quarterback goes. That's 100 percent true," he said. "It takes all 11, but in this offense, any offense, this quarterback has to operate. In order for us to win, the quarterback has to operate at 90 percent efficiency."

Appleby believes he's the answer to help this offense and this team achieve its goals.

"I love this school. I love my teammates more than anything in the world. I would do anything for them. I would die for these guys," Appleby said. "If it means standing in there on third down and look down the gun barrel and deliver a strike and get obliterated, I'll do that because I love these guys. I don't think I need to go any further than that. I'm willing to stand in there for my brothers."

SATURDAY'S GAME

Purdue (1-1)

vs. No. 11 Notre Dame (2-0)

At Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

Time: 7:30 p.m.

TV: NBC

Radio: WAZY (96.5)

Tickets: $45 to $195. Available through Notre Dame's ticket office (574-631-7356) or UND.com/tickets.