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▼ to finish the month of September averaging much more than 100 rushing yards per game. Junior Akeem Hunt is the team's feature back this year. Hunt has been Purdue's version of George Atkinson III in his first two seasons. He played second fiddle to the team's older backs, but broke off several long runs when given a chance. He averaged 8.7 yards per carry as a freshman and 8.0 yards per rush last season. Fifth-year senior quarterback Rob Henry completed 33 of 59 passes (55.9 percent) for 311 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions during Purdue's 1-1 start. photo courtesy purdue media relations passer, and that's not really good enough at this level." Purdue started the season with the stated goal of becoming a more physical running team, but managed only 65 yards on the ground against the Bearcats. With Notre Dame, Wisconsin and Northern Illinois looming on the schedule, it will be a challenge for the Boilermakers offense Click here to listen to BGI's Purdue preview podcast The Boilermakers are aiming to make Hunt more of an every-down player now that he is the most experienced runner on the team. After gaining just 21 yards on seven attempts against Cincinnati, he produced 82 yards on 22 carries versus Indiana State. Freshman Dalyn Dawkins, who led the team with 26 rushing yards and added three catches for 44 yards in his collegiate debut, secured the No. 2 spot at running back and was one of the few bright spots against Cincinnati. He also ran 11 times for 35 yards against the Sycamores. Purdue will count on that duo to lay the groundwork for a new look on offense in the coming months. "They have to show some signs of life," Carmin said. "They need to establish an identity in that area over the next couple weeks to really establish the ground work or what they want to be this year. … You need to see offensively that what they're doing is working. That would be the biggest thing." A young offensive line lacking in depth won't make it easy for Hunt and Dawkins to shine. But as Carmin and Hazell made clear during the first week of September, the Boilermakers have time to take baby steps as long as those steps continue to be in the right direction. ✦ Be a part of Notre Dame's climb back to the top of college football! Access to the Ultimate Irish Tailgater at Notre Dame's Official Hospitality Village allows you to experience the fanfare and tradition of Notre Dame Football, with all of the amenities of first class hospitality. Passes for the 2013 football season are now available and include a full buffet and open bar, keepsakes, entertainment and more in a 3-hour all inclusive pre-game event. www.und.com/store/hospitality Questions: hospitality@ndsportsproperties.com ✦ Page 2