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volume 24, EX 1 • aug. 29, 2013 Inside | Cincinnati preview 7-11 | Depth chart 13-14 Knauf feature 15-16 | Football notes 22-27 Making Believers BY STACY CLARDIE SClardie@GoldandBlack.com wanted a specific Bruce Gastonnext headwas goingquality in Purdue's coach — someone who knew what he to do and was confident about it. "There's a difference between saying what you're going to do and saying and believing and knowing," Gaston said. Gaston got exactly what he was hoping for. Darrell Hazell has a plan. He has strict guidelines. There are no gray areas. Discipline isn't just expected, it's preached and fostered. Hazell has a purpose behind every request, every requirement. There's not just an expectation for greatness, it's a mantra. The frequently repeated "A players must get As" — the saying that's on the wall in Hazell's office — means underachieving is not an option. The Boilermakers have bought in to Hazell's philosophy and approach. Now, they're taking on the attitude of him as well: As believers. "(Hazell) brings an aura with him where he makes his players want to just do our all to impress him. We just really want to play for the guy," Gaston said. "He's confident and he has a plan that we truly believe in and know that he's going to build a foundation that's going to lead this team to success. That's what makes us Tom Campbell do that extra rep, go get that Darrell Hazell anticipates some nervousness on Saturday, his first game extra workout in, compete coaching Purdue. But he's hopeful, too, that his team will start the season strong. more intensely." That belief also is what ing non-conference schedule in front of has the Boilermakers thinking all the them — starting Saturday on the road prognosticators have no idea what they're against a Cincinnati team that won 10 talking about. games last season — they're relishing it as Predicting four victories? Maybe five an opportunity. but certainly no bowl appearance? "If we win the first three games, we're Dwelling at the bottom of the Lead- being talked about," Gabe Holmes said. ers Division? Even behind Indiana? And "Cincinnati is a good team … If we had a Illinois, a program that was winless in Big bunch of Indiana States and we win three Ten play last year? games, we're not being talked about. GoNo way, say players. ing out and beating those guys we do And instead of cowering at the daunt- have, we could get (the) Purdue Boiler- THE Numbers .616 Purdue's winning percentage in season openers as the Boilermakers have won eight of their last nine. That percentage drops to .321 (11-25-3) for season openers on the road, though. However, the Boilermakers have won their last two (Toledo, 2007; Cincinnati, 2001). Players on Cincinnati's roster from Indianapolis area, just two short of the 11 the Boilermakers have. Gold and Black photographer Tom Campbell's consecutive game streak, assuming he makes it Saturday. Campbell hasn't missed a football game since he began here in 1997. Purdue's winning percentage since '97 (10990), which coincides with the beginning of the Joe Tiller Era. Cincinnati's winning percentage over the same period: .581 (115-83). 9 200 .547 makers out there and starting up good. From there, our confidence is just great and rolls off that." As much as the belief that Hazell and his staff has instilled, there's still some underlying pain, too, that's fueling Purdue's bold declarations. The victories that slipped away at Ohio State and Notre Dame linger. Not only as reminders of what could have GoldanDBlack express • volume 24, express 1 • 1