Indiana’s offense had its moments Saturday, but the Hoosiers were not totally happy with the way they played in a 38-0 win over Western Kentucky.
IU made enough big plays to pull away in the second half, including Charlie Becker’s 79-yard touchdown catch and Turbo Richard’s 25-yard touchdown run. But the Hoosiers also missed a field goal, came up short on two fourth-down tries and had a few throws that could have turned into bigger plays.
“We squandered a few opportunities mainly offensively where we had a chance to make some explosive plays in some critical situations,” Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said. “Then we made the long pass to Charlie, and then from that point on, really, could have just named it maybe.”
Indiana led 14-0 at halftime after a 98-yard touchdown drive ended with Davion Chandler’s 20-yard score and Lee Beebe’s touchdown following Isaiah Jones’ interception. The Hoosiers had moved the ball, but they had not fully taken over the game yet.
That changed early in the third quarter. Indiana opened the half with a field goal, then Becker got behind the Western Kentucky defense on the next drive. Josh Hoover’s pass was a little underthrown, but Becker adjusted to it and ran the rest of the way for a 79-yard touchdown.
Becker said the play was something IU had been waiting to use.
“That was one of our shot plays going into it,” Becker said. “We tried setting it up earlier in the game just to see what kind of defense they would run when we were in that formation. We liked what we saw and were able to take that shot.”
Richard had a 25-yard run on Indiana’s first offensive play and continued to find room as the game went on. He had a 31-yard run in the third quarter and later scored on a 25-yard touchdown run during IU’s 80-yard scoring drive in the fourth.
Beebe added two short rushing touchdowns. It was a good sign for him after he had touchdowns called back in each of Indiana’s first two games.
The running game was not always consistent early, but Richard said the offense made adjustments at halftime and came out better in the second half.
“We made them adjustments, and I feel like we came out with a better run game,” Richard said. “Whatever holes is open, capitalize on them and try not to miss them as much as I can.”
Hoover was also honest about a few throws he wants back. He mentioned a fourth-down throw to Nick Marsh, a deep ball that barely got past a receiver’s fingertips and a red-zone opportunity that could have been a touchdown with a better throw.
“There was a couple that I would love to have back,” Hoover said. “I know I am an accurate guy, and I know I’m going to make those adjustments.”
Even with the mistakes, Hoover liked what Indiana showed with its big-play ability. Becker’s long touchdown, Chandler’s score and Richard’s late touchdown gave the Hoosiers several different ways to break the game open.
“I think we have big-play possibilities this year for a very explosive offense,” Hoover said.
Indiana is now 3-0 entering Big Ten play. The Hoosiers will host Northwestern on Friday night.
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