Written by Amanda Pavelka (@amandapavelka3)

Indiana’s star running back Stevie Scott suffered an injury against Michigan, so it was next man up for Saturday’s big rivalry game. Indiana’s own Sampson James took the call for his first career start on a dreary day in West Lafayette.

With the brisk wind and intermittent rain, Indiana relied on the run game to make it to the end zone. James took his opportunity of the season and ran with it, helping the Hoosiers get the prized Old Oaken Bucket back to Bloomington in a 44-41 victory in double overtime.

“I had a good week of practice, so I definitely feel like I was ready. I studied a lot to make sure I was prepared for every situation so I definitely came in feeling comfortable and like I can do some damage,” James told reporters postgame.

Saturday’s 118 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown nearly doubled the true freshman’s first year rushing yards. In eight nine games played, James has 250 yards on 70 carries and 3 touchdowns with a bowl game remaining.

“How about Sampson James?” Tom Allen said, “That’s why recruiting is so big. And him believing in us, coming to Indiana University as an Indiana kid. Stevie went down and (it was) next man up and Sampson did an amazing job. Offensive line even more banged up, without Bedford playing. Those guys just didn’t seem to blink, they just kept fighting. I’m really proud of Sampson. He deserves that one.”

James was a four-star recruit who de-committed from Ohio State to be a part of what Tom Allen and coaching staff are building at Indiana. In Allen’s third year as head coach, the Hoosiers have peaked, reaching that eighth win that only five other Indiana teams were able to get, and did it for the first time in 26 years.

“This is why we came here, to win big games like this, and to get to a great bowl game and we’re looking to win that for sure. I’m just so excited for the future of our program” James said after the game.

James found the end zone after being shut down on first down and goal, James’ second try for a 3-yard touchdown brought the Hoosiers to halftime 21-10.

“I was pretty determined,” James said. “The first touchdown I didn’t quite get in there, so that second touchdown I was definitely trying to make sure I got in the end zone.”

“One thing Coach Allen always preaches is to have a 1-0 mindset. So no matter what happens, good play or bad play, to move on to the next play and don’t worry about the last one— keep moving forward.”

How does a guy like James stay ready, waiting for the moment for his name to be called, up until the last game of the season?

“Just continuing to practice hard. A lot of people can really lose faith and really lose hope of playing. Me, I just kept practicing and playing hard, just kept doing what I’d been doing in the weight room. When my opportunity came, I took advantage,” James said.

“We all knew he could do that from the jump, he just needed his opportunity,” Whop Philyor said. “He got his opportunity, and he just ran with it.”

James’ opportunity was cut short with his fourth quarter ankle injury, which Allen and James himself both were not concerned about when asked.

“It was a big emotional roller coaster. I was definitely excited to cheer my teammates on.” James said. “I just rolled my ankle. I’m fine.”

It was the farthest from a beautiful victory, as the Hoosiers’ gave up their 18-point lead late in the third quarter and ended up sliding by Purdue with a touchdown in the second overtime.

With a month away from Indiana’s bowl game and Scott’s recovery time up in the air, one thing for certain is that the Hoosiers have an impactful backup in Sampson James.

The Huddle

Sampson James Flashes Potential in Big Performance at Purdue

Hoosier Huddle