OFFENSE

Injuries ravaged the offense in 2010 — a fourth-string true freshman quarterback started at one point, and receivers had to be moved to running back to fill holes — resulting in one of the worst statistical seasons for the unit in points (19.7 ppg), total yards (3,739) and passing yards (1,809) in over a decade. It should be better in 2011, even if there isn’t a clear-cut No. 1 quarterback or go-to receiver.

The offensive line returns virtually intact, which should allow the quarterbacks more throws from the pocket and open more holes for the running game. It’s just a matter of which players get those opportunities. Coach Danny Hope insists that the competition at quarterback between sophomore Rob Henry and senior Robert Marve isn’t “the soap opera everybody thinks it is.” He plans on playing both. Henry is a dynamic athlete who runs the option well — he led the team in rushing with 547 yards — and Marve has arm strength and accuracy (67.7 percent completions) but is coming off a second ACL surgery in as many years.

Ralph Bolden also had knee surgery but should resume starting running back duties. If he’s slow to come to form, speedy, strong junior college transfer Akeem Shavers is a solid option.

Justin Siller, a physical, 6'4", 215 pounder, has the tools to emerge as a big-play receiver, but he hasn’t proven himself at the position yet after converting from quarterback.

DEFENSE

The unit could be primed for success with up-and-coming talent in the secondary, at linebacker and at tackle. With six of the back seven starters back, Purdue should be able to disguise and mix coverages.

Hope believes cornerbacks Ricardo Allen and Josh Johnson could be the best tandem in the Big Ten, if not in the country. They’re good pass defenders who also are tough, physical and like to tackle. Allen also is a playmaker — he returned two of his three interceptions for touchdowns as a freshman last season.

Tackle Kawann Short has the tools to be dominant. He’s 6'3", 305 pounds with a powerful lower half that allows him to get push up the middle and knock linemen back. But he also brings an uncommon athleticism to the position — he led the team with eight pass deflections.

Keep an eye on young linebackers Dwayne Beckford and Will Lucas. They’re fast, physical players packed with potential.

SPECIALISTS

Carson Wiggs may be the nation’s best kicker. And not just because he has a booming right leg — he made a 67-yarder in the spring game. His consistency and accuracy are just as impressive. In his career, he’s made 37-of-51 field goals. The biggest area of emphasis is in the return game, where Purdue ranked 98th in the nation in punt returns and 100th in kickoffs. Staying healthy will help, but so could increased team speed.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Injuries were a reason for the team’s 4–8 finish last season, but there is little room for error this season. The Boilermakers haven’t been to a bowl game since 2007, the last season they finished with more than five victories. Hope says he doesn’t feel pressure to win to keep his job — “That doesn’t creep in because the desire to win comes from within,” he says — but he knows the program needs to make strides. There is some talent at the skill positions, and the defense has some playmakers, but it may not be enough to overcome a challenging Big Ten schedule and reach .500.