Sandra Dukes – USA TODAY Sports
2012 saw the struggles continue for the Purdue Boilermakers‘ football program, as they finished with a 6-7 record overall and a 3-5 record in the Big Ten conference. The season was capped off by a crushing defeat against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in their bowl game.
2012 also saw the firing of head coach Danny Hope, who never really seemed to get things rolling for the Boilermakers after four seasons in charge. In comes first-year head coach Darrell Hazell, who comes from Kent State after just two season as a head coach.
The struggles came from all phases of the game in 2012 for the Boilermakers, and the offense was no exception. Purdue finished eighth in the conference in scoring offense, only putting up 28.7 points per game on the season. They finished fifth in the conference in total yards per game, averaging 402.7 yards per game on the year.
Gone are quarterbacks Robert Marve (finally) and Caleb TerBush. Now, the starting role will go to Rob Henry, who has seen extensive action during his time at Purdue. He has had his fair share of struggles, but he has some experience, which should help him in the long run.
The Boilermakers also lose their leading rusher in Akeem Shavers, but junior Akeem Hunt has been a productive backup at the running back position and is set to be the starter in 2013.
For receivers and tight ends, the top statistical players are also gone, but senior Gary Bush will step into the starting receiver role. O.J. Ross will also start once a suspension he is facing is over. Senior Gabe Holmes will get the starting job at the tight end position.
The offense will be incredibly young for the Boilermakers, and they lost many key contributors from last season, so coach Hazell and the offense will certainly have their work cut out for them in 2013.
