Saturday Was a Big Night For 'Big Bacon'

Tyler 'Big Bacon' Natee played a huge role in IU's win against MSU. Image: Rivals.com

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

When Tyler Natee committed to Indiana, many rushed to recruiting sites to learn what IU was getting from their newest commit. They pulled up the scouting videos and highlight tapes and saw a 260-pound quarterback that continually made plays with both his arms and his legs against top competition in the state of Texas. It was eventually learned that the Hoosiers saw him as a running back and we heard buzz that Kevin Wilson had high expectations for his newest offensive weapon. Natee bulked up to 270 pounds but he was injured and unable to play in IU’s first two contests. He made his career debut against Wake Forest and played a limited role, gaining four yards on three carries including IU’s first rushing touchdown of the season. However, on Saturday night, under the lights at Memorial Stadium, Tyler Natee made his first significant impact on a game as he bludgeoned Michigan State defenders on eleven carries for 38 yards. Those totals don’t include a couple of nice runs that were called back due to holding penalties. The totals also don’t show that many of the carries came during the latter stages of the contest and the offense appeared to begin taking off once he became a part of the attack. His performance made it clear that he brings a different and unique kind of size and physicality to the rushing attack and that he’ll be a key part of IU’s game plans moving forward.

Natee talked to Hoosier Huddle’s Sammy Jacobs and other reporters after IU’s huge 24-21 win over Michigan State on Saturday night. He talked about getting healthy and ready for the role he carried out in his first Big Ten game. “Before I got my injury, I was doing pretty good and I was pretty high up in the depth chart. After I got my little meniscus injury, I was out for a couple weeks and I didn’t play for a couple games. Leading up to this game, I was showing them in practice that I can handle the load and be the power back that he (Kevin Wilson) expects me to be.”

The Hoosiers didn’t only use Natee to run the ball. They showed off his unique skillset on a call on fourth and goal that allowed Natee to roll to the left and lob a pass to Ian Thomas. However, the pass sailed a bit and Thomas didn’t appear to ever get a read on the pass as MSU’s defensive line rushed the throw. It was a tough spot for the true freshman to be thrust into and it ultimately didn’t work but it offered a glimpse at the versatility he brings to the game. Natee was asked what brought him to Indiana.

“Coach Wilson had a special package for me which had me at quarterback doing zone read and stuff like that and that sold me. Plus, Coach Wilson and his background. When he was at Oklahoma and what he did with those big guys (Trey Millard) really sold me because I want to be just like those guys and I think he can get me where I want to go.”

The 6’0”, 270-pound bruiser, dubbed “Big Bacon” by teammate Clyde Newton, hammered the ball up the middle and displayed some good elusiveness and shifty feet. However, his running style and size make his intent clear. When he gets the ball, he’s ready for contact and he expects the defense to feel his presence. A number of Spartans came up gingerly after attempting to bring down Natee on Saturday night.

“That’s my running style,” Natee said. “If I run any softer, I wouldn’t be in the game. Every time I get the ball, my mindset is to punish anybody who is in the way. So, I’m sorry but that’s just what I’ve got to do. I’ve got to help my team win and keep the chains moving.”

Despite missing Dan Feeney and Dimitric Camiel, their top two offensive linemen, and playing against a stout Michigan State defensive line, the Hoosiers ran for 156 yards and an average of four yards per carry, a full yard per carry more than any of MSU’s previous opponents. Devine Redding had a very strong game, gaining 100 yards on 19 carries and busting a crucial 36-yard gain in the fourth quarter. Tyler Natee hammered in his 38 yards while Devonte Williams and Mike Majette combined for 23 additional yards. The Hoosiers will need an effective running game if they are to continue competing, and winning, games like they did on Saturday night and accomplish their goal of returning to a bowl game. After only two career games, it’s apparent that Tyler “Big Bacon” Natee will play a large, pun intended, role in making sure that happens.