Redshirt freshman David Blough will be Purdue’s starting quarterback against Bowling Green on Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium, replacing junior Austin Appleby.
Boilermakers coach Darrell Hazell announced the change during his Tuesday news conference.
“The whole decision was driven by one thing that we preach all the time, and that’s taking care of the football,” Hazell said. “I have to make sure we live up to that, and govern ourselves.”
Appleby threw six interceptions, and lost a fumble that was returned for a touchdown against Virginia Tech. He threw four picks in a season-opening loss at Marshall, including two returned for TDs, and two more against the Hokies.
Appleby completed 60 of 110 passes for 669 yards and five TDs, including 9 of 28 for 110 yards against Virginia Tech. But the Boilermakers are 1-2.
“Austin’s created energy, Austin’s created leadership,” Hazell said. “One thing we’ve always stressed, and will continue to stress, is the importance of taking care of the football. We need to do that better at that position.”
Blough took over for Appleby with 8:19 left against Virginia Tech, completing 3 of 7 passes for 11 yards.
Bowling Green (1-2) averages 39.7 points and, behind quarterback Matt Johnson, leads the nation with 455.7 yards passing.
“One of the things I said to him (Blough), you don’t have to play outside yourself,” Hazell said. “Just play within the scheme of the offense. Don’t feel like you have to be this guy that makes all these different plays.
“Just play within the scheme of things and things will work out the way they should work out. I don’t want him to put that pressure on himself, and we don’t need to put it on him.”
This is the third times in as many seasons under Hazell the Boilermakers have changed quarterbacks. In 2013, then-freshman Danny Etling started the final seven games, replacing Rob Henry. Last season, Appleby started the final seven games, replacing Etling.
“This is not a panic move — this is a move based on our base philosophy that we’re not going to turn the ball over. Period,” Hazell said. “We’re not panicking inside our walls.”
In a close competition, Appleby held off Blough to retain the job through spring practice and the preseason. Freshman Elijah Sindelar was not considered for this move, Hazell said.
“He’s a guy that we’ve always said can create and keep a play extended, keep his eyes down the field and can make the throws we need him to make,” Hazell said of Blough.
Hazell “deliberated” for a couple of days, thinking through “all the different scenarios,” before making the decision after consulting with offensive coordinator John Shoop. He then informed Blough and Appleby.
“He (Blough) didn’t say much,” Hazell said. “You could tell he was excited. After we discussed about playing within himself, he said the typical, ‘yes, sir,’ and left the office.
“Austin’s a competitor, we’re all competitors. We had the discussion, and we’ll see how he responds (Tuesday). He’ll handle it like a pro.”
Grading Gelen: Hazell described sophomore rush end Gelen Robinson as having a “B performance” against Virginia Tech. After serving a two-game suspension, the Lake Central graduate had five tackles, including 2.5 for loss.
“He made some plays. … He needs to continue to get his game speed behind him,” Hazell said.
Against Bowling Green, Robinson is listed as the co-starter with Antoine Miles at rush end. He could also see time at defensive end in the future.
“He’s such a good player that it’s hard for him to stay on the sideline very long,” Hazell said.
Injury update: Starting strong-side linebacker Jimmy Herman is “doubtful” against Bowling Green after reinjuring his left hamstring against Virginia Tech, Hazell said. Freshman Markus Bailey, the backup at the position, suffered a season-ending torn left ACL against the Hokies and should receive a medical redshirt.
Against most opponents, backup weak-side linebacker Andy James Garcia would move to the strong side. But the Boilermakers likely will play a significant amount of nickel defense against the Falcons.
Twitter: @MichaelOsipoff
