Dan Murphy, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

B1G media day preview: Purdue Boilermakers

The Big Ten will descend on Chicago later this week for its annual conference media days. The two-day event kicks off Thursday morning, and until then we’ll be getting you prepared for what to expect by running down some of the biggest questions each program will face at the podium and as the regular season gets started.

Purdue was voted by a comfortable margin to finish last in the West Division again this season. Darrell Hazell is starting his third season with a program that needed a major overhaul when he arrived in 2013. The Boilermakers showed signs of progress last year despite finishing 3-9. Hazell brings three veterans -- wide receiver Danny Anthrop, center Robert Kugler and cornerback Frankie Williams -- to Chicago this week to discuss whether or not this year’s team has what it takes to turn a corner toward success in West Lafayette.

1. Is the quarterback position settled?

Purdue’s quarterback competition got a little less crowded this summer when junior Danny Etling decided to transfer to LSU rather than battle for time with a group of good options at quarterback on the Boilermakers' roster. That leaves senior Austin Appleby as the only experienced starter on the team. However, it doesn’t mean that the coaching staff will simply hand him the job. Appleby, a redshirt junior, has to fend off two formerly high-rated recruits -- redshirt freshman David Blough and newcomer Elijah Sindelar.

Appleby started seven games last year and threw for 1,449 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also provided a boost in the locker room when he took over for Etling midway through the season. Blough had an impressive spring, and Sindelar could challenge both of them if he picks up on the offense quickly. Hazell would probably be best served by finding a starter and sticking with him, but it’s an important decision for a team that is counting on its quarterback to have a major impact on the offense. It doesn’t appear he has made a decision yet.

2. Will the offensive line be better?

The offensive line started to show improvement last fall as Big Ten conference play began, but it needs to take another step forward this year if Purdue is going to have a reliable offense. Six returning players share 91 starts, including Kugler, an all-conference center. The line finished 117th during Hazell’s first year in sacks allowed with 3.25 per game. Last season they jumped to a tie for 52nd, allowing only 2.0 per game. This is another steady step in the direction that could be a big help for the Boilermakers and a sign that this staff is building a better foundation for the program, even if the wins aren’t quite there yet in 2015.

3. How do you measure success in West Lafayette?

Not long ago, Purdue was a contender for Big Ten titles. Now the school is struggling to appeal to recruits and has one conference win in the last two years combined. As the Big Ten improves its level of play and public perception, how does Purdue make sure not to get left too far behind? As Hazell heads into his third year, what type of results should the Boilermakers expect? A bowl trip would be a good achievement, but at this point the team might have to measure itself by less tangible goals than wins and losses. Finding a way to set that bar and keep the confidence of the players and bosses can be a tricky proposition.

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