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ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 25, ISSUE 2 113 f games of the Darrell Hazell Era. The Boilermakers scored 107 points and 14 touchdowns and gained 1,342 yards in Appleby's first three starts. In the entirety of Big Ten play last season, Purdue scored 104 points and had 13 TDs. The Appleby-led offense's three consecutive games of at least 30 points were the longest such streak in Big Ten play for the Boilermakers since the final three games of the 2009 season. "Everything he does, it seems like it's working for us," offensive lineman Jason King said. Even if Appleby's starting debut was one of the most im- pressive in Purdue's history — his completion percentage (75), yards per pass attempt (10.1), yards per rush attempt (10.9) and longest pass play (80) all ranked No. 1 among QBs in the same situation — his impact can't be measured strictly in numbers. UNIQUE LEADERSHIP Surely, John Williams could be of use here. The renowned composer, master of film scores for Jaws, Star Wars and Indiana Jones, certainly could devise brilliant motifs with sweeping violins, devastating horns and explosive drums that expertly capture each scene. Because when Austin Appleby talks, it's quite the show, commanding rapt attention. When he's stalking the sidelines on game days, hitting each position group to offer encouragement, pulling aside a receiver to break down a route, smack- ing a running back on the helmet before talking him up, then scurrying down to the defense to share the love. He seems almost reluctant to put on the head- set to speak with coordinator John Shoop between series because it steals valuable time he has with his football brothers. When he's standing inside the huddle, making pronouncements of upcoming success, whether it be on the opening drive or the final one. When he's chattering on the practice field, chal- lenging teammates to make plays, demanding they give their best. When he's popping his head into film rooms by position group, making sure everyone is of the same mindset, working to perfect their craft armed with knowledge. When he's talking to media, bombarding reporters with one-liners, rousing responses and talk of championships. Even when he's making did-that-just-happen state- ments of how he's the player who gives the team the best chance to win games — in the locker room, in front of the entire team, before he was the starter. "He's kind of everywhere," said King, laughing. "With every group, it seems like he's always here, trying to get people ready. I really appreciate that. All the guys see him doing that stuff. It makes everyone respect him so much because we know how hard he works, we know the effort." Appleby's infectious personality was the reason Hazell thought it was time to turn to the sophomore in early Oc- tober. The second-year coach said he was looking for "juice," a Tom Campbell Appleby completed 66 percent of his passes and threw five touch- downs in Purdue's last three games. But he hasn't showcased what father Michael Appleby called a "rocket" arm. "One thing I haven't seen yet that I would like to see is not one time, ever, has Austin stood back and shown off his arm. I believe that when that time comes, there's a lot of people who are going to say, 'Wow.'"