Hoosier Ground Game Plows the Way for the Spittoon Win

Image: Indiana University Athletics

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

It was certainly ‘football weather’ in East Lansing, Michigan on Saturday with temperatures barely above 20 degrees and windchills in the 10s. In order to win bad weather games in the Big Ten teams have to be able to run the ball. After struggling most of the season doing that, IU ran for 257 yards and four touchdowns.

“We knew we got to run the ball to win the game and and they knew that too” Indiana head coach Tom Allen said to Don Fischer afterthe game. “We're still able to do it and that's just massive. Credit to the O-line. Rod Carey is doing a great job getting those guys to improve a little bit each week.”

The Hoosier rushing attack was a three-headed monster led by Shaun Shivers who ran 13 times for 115 yards and two scores, including a 79-yarder that sparked the second half run.

“I think he gave me a lot of jolt, because once I score everybody know they started picking it up.” Shivers said post game. “All the favor, especially to offer a defense. So I think it was just important for me to put on the score.”

Shivers’ touchdown sparked a 25-7 second half run for the Hoosiers in their 39-31 win.

Shivers was not the only Hoosier who ran well. Quarterback Dexter Williams, who was making his first start, gave the Hoosiers what they needed in a game he completed just two passes. Williams got the scoring started with a 34-yard run down the sideline and he finished with 113 non-sack rushing yards. The third head of the monster was Josh Henderson who pounded theSpartan defense late, scoring the tying touchdown. Henderson finished with 36 yards on 11 carries.

It was a much needed win and a much needed performance on the ground as the Hoosiers try to get any momentum they can before heading into the Old Oaken Bucket Game next week.