Despite throwing for 295 yards and three touchdowns against Eastern Kentucky in Purdue's opener, Robert Marve will not start at quarterback for the Purdue Boilermakers when they play at Notre Dame on Saturday. Caleb TerBush, who started all 13 games for Purdue last season but was suspended for the opener, will start for Purdue. Purdue coach Danny Hope named TerBush the starter last night, but has re-iterated that Marve will likely still play:
On radio show Monday night, Danny Hope names Caleb TerBush
— GoldandBlack.com (@GoldandBlackcom) September 3, 2012#Purdue starter Saturday vs. Notre Dame. TerBush was suspended for opener.
TerBush threw for 1,905 yards and 13 touchdowns in splitting time with Marve last season, but threw a critical interception on the first play against Notre Dame in the 38-10 Fighting Irish win. Marve started the 2010 game in South Bend and threw for 220 yards and two interceptions, but ran for a touchdown, in Purdue's 23-12 loss.
Purdue blog Hammer & Rails has written extensively about the quarterback controversy:
I don't think it is hyperbole in saying that Saturday is now the biggest game of Danny Hope's tenure at Purdue. Many fans are upset at this announcement. Many fans are upset with the QB juggling in general. Fans are still upset that the team came out against Notre Dame last season and rolled over in prime time at home against the Fighting Irish. Hope has now pushed his chips into the Caleb TerBush and QB rotation pot. If it works and Purdue pulls off an upset or even loses a close game he'll be proven right. If Purdue comes out and gets rolled yet again by a marquee opponent the fans may turn on him for good.
For more Fighting Irish coverage, visit SB Nation's One Foot Down, College Football Hub, and SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Boilermakers, visit SB Nation's Hammer & Rails.