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No.1 Purdue quarterback Austin Apple- by: Making his first start, Appleby was nearly flawless, seemingly making all the right deci- sions, not appearing to be frazzled when pressure came in the pocket and showing a presence in the huddle the Boilermakers so desperately needed. No.2 Purdue running back Akeem Hunt: What better way to help out a first- time starting QB than provide a dominant running game? Hunt did that, gaining a career-high 177 yards rushing on a career-high 30 carries. He also had a team- high four catches. No.3 Illinois receiver Mike Dudek: Purdue had no an- swer for the fresh- man phenom. Dudek abused safe- ty Frankie Williams all game — but also took advantage when Purdue tried to cover him with a linebacker or other safeties — to the tune of 200 yards receiving on eight catches. No.4 Illinois quarterback Wes Lunt: Be- fore he left the game with a broken leg in the second half, Lunt showcased his ability to make big-time throws down the field and ultimately complet- ed 27-of-39 passes for 332 yards and two touchdowns. No.5 Purdue punter Thomas Meadows: Considering the awfully windy condi- tions and the imperative of switching the field in such a tight game, Meadows was brilliant. His last punt may have been his best, putting from deep in Purdue terri- tory and booming a 54-yarder with perfect placement that skidded out of bounds at the Illinois' 34. j PURDUE 38, ILLINOIS 27 TOP PLAYERS Tom Campbell In his first career start, Austin Appleby deliv- ered exactly what Purdue coaches wanted: An energy-filled, turnover-free performance in a victory. GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • VOLUME 25, EXPRESS 7 • 23