Gold and Black is a multi-platform media company that covers Purdue athletics like no one else.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/141859
f o o t b a l l : o f f e n s i v e p r e v i e w Diversity Could Offset Inexperience New offense tries to create mismatches BY STACY CLARDIE SClardie@GoldandBlack.com J ohn Shoop is well aware there are few experienced options to choose from in his first year directing Purdue's offense. Gone are the starting quarterback, the top backup quarterback, starting running back, the No. 2 back, starting tight end, top two receivers and two offensive linemen who combined to start 62 games in their careers. Those players accounted for 93 percent of the team's passing yards, 56 percent of the rushing yards and 60 percent of the receiving yards in 2012. Of the skill players on the roster in 2013, only Gary Bush and Gabe Holmes have started at least six games, half a season, in their careers. But maybe that's not all bad, some players said. "I think honestly when guys haven't played and they finally get on the field, they're hungry and they want to get out there," said offensive lineman Robert Kugler, who moved into the starting lineup last season as a redshirt freshman. "Sometimes you get guys who get complacent and are just out there. The guys who haven't played as much who are probably going to play this year are going to be hungry. "I think it's a good thing. It's nice to have guys who have game experience for the composure and field leadership. But it's a nice combination." GBIprint.com GoldandBlack.com Tom Campbell Rob Henry could finally get his chance to be Purdue's full-time starting quarterback. After a strong spring, in which he proved he's a more accurate passer than previously thought, the fifth-year senior is in the race. Perhaps the inexperience can be offset a bit with the offense Shoop has installed. The expectation is to confuse defenses with a variety of formations, movement and groupings. It's less about talent and more about scheme. "I love that we can run the same thing out of 20-some different looks. Coach Shoop is a genius," receiver Dolapo Macarthy said. "It's very, very diverse. It's wide open. It's a West Coast offense, traditionally under center, but we can do so many different things. It's a nightmare for the defense as much as we motion and shift and put guys all over the place. "I love our talent on offense, love it even more now with the offense that we're running. We can put guys in different places and make the same thing look completely different." Here is a closer look at the pieces Shoop has to work with: QUARTERBACKS What would Purdue football be without questions at quarterback? The Boilermakers haven't had a consistent starter at the position since 2009, partly because of injuries and partly because of an inability by previous coaches to decide between healthy options. Darrell Hazell, though, vows he won't rotate quarterbacks. He says he'll pick one and stick with the decision. Of course, the decision has to be made first. Senior Rob Henry and freshman Gold and Black IllustrateD • volume 23, issue 6 • 15