Miles Cross Looks to Build on Breakout UCLA Performance
/
Written by Ben Gillard
Miles Cross has arrived. After recording only one catch over the first two games (albeit an impressive 30-yard one-handed catch), it seemed as though the Ohio transfer was taking a backseat to guys like Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. This was especially surprising given the established chemistry with fellow Ohio transfer QB Kurtis Rourke.
As Cross said of his relationship with Rourke, “I can talk to him about anything; he’s a great guy off the field. I remember when I first got down here I didn’t have a car and he would give me a ride to the stadium every day, so I have a great relationship with Kurtis off the field.” Cross went on to say, “It has definitely helped on the field; it’s like most of the time we’re on the same page on the field, and that definitely helps, just having that connection with him and continuing to build on that.” While that chemistry shined through on the 30 completion from Rourke to Cross vs. FIU Cross had yet to have a breakout game.
Then came UCLA. He took over the game, catching 6 passes for 90 yards and a touchdown. From the first quarter, it became clear that he was going to have a great game. Cross caught a 3-yard touchdown pass on IU’s opening drive, giving the Hoosiers a lead that they wouldn’t give up for the rest of the game.
However, it was on third down where Cross really shone. He caught three passes on third down each for a huge gain. This included a 15-yard gain on 3rd & 7, a 17-yard gain on 3rd & 10, and a massive gain of 33 yards down to the UCLA 1-yard line on 3rd & 3. He proved himself to be a reliable target on third down, something that will be immensely helpful to Hoosiers going forward.
When asked if there was anything specific that led to his big outing vs. the Bruins, Cross said, “I wouldn’t say anything specific, but I just know that we were getting a lot of opportunities to make plays; we do the reps in practice a lot in the offseason and got those opportunities and made those plays and just changed the game.” He certainly made those plays on Saturday.
Cross isn’t caught up in his breakout performance, however, having already turned his sights to the Hoosiers matchup with Charlotte this Saturday. “We know our mindset and we know our standard, so there’s no complacency, we didn't get any satisfaction from beating UCLA; that’s not the end-of-season goal. We’re looking to build upon this game one game at a time and take this game as far as we can.”
While Cross may not have gotten any satisfaction from beating UCLA, it’s fair to say that Hoosier Nation definitely did. IU got its first ever win at the Rose Bowl and moved to 1-0 in Big Ten play. Here’s hoping it’s the first of many.