Purdue offense: What to expect in 2015

Breaking down Purdue's offense heading into the 2015 season:

FOUR-DOWN TERRITORY

Appleby's No. 1: No surprise Austin Appleby was selected the starting quarterback. The question is: Will the junior start all 12 games? The program desperately needs stability at the position, but we also have to see production. Stretching the field and managing an uptempo offense are areas to watch from the North Canton, Ohio, native. He has a solid offensive line and what appears to be a strong running game to lean on. But Appleby will consistently have to make plays for the Boilermakers to take another step forward.

Run game: As mentioned above, based on what we saw in camp D.J. Knox, Markell Jones and Keyante Green – along with an experienced offensive line – give the offense a chance to generate yards and points on the ground. Knox is clearly the top running back on the roster and gives the offense a breakaway speed threat. Depth is the key here. An opportunity to feature fresh legs with Jones and Green in the second half could be pivotal.

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In the air: There's more experience at wide receiver and the potential for new playmakers to emerge. DeAngelo Yancey made only 12 catches last season, about 20 less than his freshman season. In the end, Yancey wasn't ready for the spotlight and is in a much better place mentally to enjoy a productive season. Danny Anthrop will be a consistent weapon for Appleby. The addition of junior college transfers Domonique Young and Anthony Mahoungou, who add size, likely hold the key if the passing game can hit big plays down the field.

Tempo, tempo, tempo: The plan is to showcase a variety of speeds. As backup quarterback David Blough mentioned, he didn't remember the offense huddling a lot during training camp. This isn't going to be Oregon-type of tempo, but the Boilermakers plan to play faster to control the pace. This only works if the offense isn't stuck in a three-and-out syndrome. This area has to become an edge.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH

Jones. Last year's Indiana Mr. Football currently sits as the No. 2 running back on the depth chart and should see the field in the opener. Jones brings a powerful running style to the backfield and has really improved his game since the end of spring practice. He's at his best running the ball but has shown the versatility of becoming a threat in the passing game. One concern, and not just with Jones, is pass protection. Can they pick up blitzes to keep defenders away from Appleby?

THREE NUMBERS TO IMPROVE FROM LAST SEASON

5.2: Yards per attempt from the passing game, which ranked next to last nationally.

128: Plays gaining 10 or more yards, the lowest figure among Big Ten teams.

24: Turnovers committed, including nine the last two games. Purdue was 3-0 when committing no turnovers; 0-9 when turning the ball over at least once.

FINAL THOUGHT

Improvements were made statistically and on the field last season, even though the Boilermakers used two quarterbacks. But the offense and the passing game stalled when Anthrop suffered a knee injury and there appears to be more depth at all positions to overcome adversity. It's time to see another step in coordinator John Shoop's master plan. At least to start, Purdue doesn't have the big-play threats it had last season in Akeem Hunt and Raheem Mostert. Will anybody develop into that role or are the Boilermakers destined to become a grind-it-out type of offense?