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Indiana football: Five key Hoosiers from emotional win vs. WKU

ByConnor O’Keefe|
Sep 17, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers place kicker Charles Campbell (93) shares a moment with Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Bryant Fitzgerald (31) and another Indiana Hoosier after kicking the game winning field goal in extra time after the game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Memorial Stadium. Hoosiers won 33 to 30 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers place kicker Charles Campbell (93) shares a moment with Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Bryant Fitzgerald (31) and another Indiana Hoosier after kicking the game winning field goal in extra time after the game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Memorial Stadium. Hoosiers won 33 to 30 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
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Many Indiana football players stepped up when it mattered most for the Hoosiers to come out on top of the Hilltoppers on Saturday afternoon in overtime. Trailing by 11 points heading into the fourth quarter, the Hoosiers fought all the way back, and, with a bit of luck and a missed field goal, forced overtime against Western Kentucky.

It’s pretty clear who was the star of the game when he hit the game-winning field goal to make Indiana football 3-0, but many others had big games and made big plays, including: Josh Henderson and Noah Pierre, who did not make the top five list.

Every time Henderson touched the ball, he made something happen for the offense. Finishing Week 3 with 11 carries for 65 yards and a rushing touchdown, along with adding one insane catch and run for 32 yards (below).

Henderson was way more effective out of the backfield for the Hoosiers than starting back, Shaun Shivers. Though Henderson will continue to serve as his backup, expect the UNC transfer to get more snaps and more opportunities in Walt Bell’s offense.

For Pierre, he was all over the field for Indiana football. Finishing Week 3 with the third most tackles on the team (nine), and adding a sack and tackle for loss from the secondary is huge. Though the secondary did get ripped up by Austin Reed and the Hilltoppers offense, Pierre continued to make an impact on the game however he could.

Five key Indiana football players vs. Western Kentucky

Indiana football
Indiana’s Aaron Casey celebrates a backfield tackle during the Indiana football versus Western Kentucky football game at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 17, 2022.

#5. Aaron Casey – LB

Week 3 stats vs. WKU: 8 total tackles, 6 solo tackles, and 3 tackles for loss

Aaron Casey continues to show he is one of the best defensive players for Tom Allen’s defense game-by-game and this week was no different. If it weren’t for the leadership and dominance from Cam Jones, Casey would be much higher on my list.

Casey earned himself defensive player of the week, named by Tom Allen and the Indiana football program for his presence on the field in Week 3. If Casey can continue to make plays all around the field for the Hoosiers’ defense, things will continue to improve and the defensive unit will only make strides every week.

The senior linebacker now has the second most tackles for loss (six) in the Big Ten. His three tackles for loss and six solo tackles are a career-best in a single game for Casey, as he shows his capability of making an All-Big Ten Defensive team by seasons end.

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