The Indiana Hoosiers suffered a scare last weekend against Northwestern in more ways than one. The Wildcats gave the Hoosiers all they could handle, and had IU on upset alert from start to finish in Week 4. Northwestern put up a strong fight, but Indiana was able to make the key places down the stretch that led to a 6-point win.
It's looking like Curt Cignetti was correct to move on from Alberto Mendoza
The Hoosiers also suffered an injury scare last Friday. Starting running back Turbo Richard went down with a leg injury in the 2nd quarter, which was later revealed to be a high ankle sprain. Richard hobbled off the field and was unable to return to the field. His availability for the Rutgers game was immediately put in doubt, and Hoosier fans became nervous that he could be out for even longer.
But earlier this week Curt Cignetti stated that Richard's injury isn't as serious an initially feared. In fact, the first Big Ten availability report for Week 5 reveals that there's a solid chance Richard suits up on Saturday night against the Scarlet Knights.
Turbo Richard listed as probable for Week 5 against Rutgers
Wednesday night's availability report has Richard listed as probable. That is certainly a positive development, as it appears that he is on the right track to play. But Cignetti and his staff are still being cautious.
While he seems to be on the right track, it's imperative that Indiana doesn't rush Richard back to the field if he is not physically ready. Indiana's RB room is already depleted with Khobie Martin sidelined with a broken forearm. Any further injury to Richard would make the Hoosier rushing attack even thinner. That becomes evenmore significant whenconsideringthat second-yearRB Sean Cuonois listed asquestionable for Week5. Indiana's running back depth was seen as a major strength heading into the season, and now it is being tested.
The good news is that Lee Beebe Jr. shined against Northwestern after Richard went down. The fifth-year senior ran for 203 yards and an eye-popping 8.5 yards per rush to go along with a touchdown. He reeled off multiple long runs that kept the Hoosier offense moving in the right direction. His 70-yard run late in the 4th quarter led directly to Indiana's game-sealing TD run from Josh Hoover. On the season, Beebe has collected 398 yards and 3 touchdowns on 71 carries (5.6 yards per rush). No matter what Richard's status is come game time, Beebe should still be expected to be involved early and often.
4 Hoosiers ruled out for the Rutgers game
A total of four Hoosiers have already been ruled out for Saturday night's matchup against Rutgers: DB Carson Williams, RB Khobie Martin, DL Daniel Ndukwe, and WR Lebron Bond. The only Rutgers played ruled out at this time is DB Kevin Levy.
Kick-off between the Hoosiers and Scarlet Knights is set for 8 p.m. ET on Saturday night in Piscataway. It will be the first road game for Indiana this season, and the first time the Hoosiers face Rutgers in the Cignetti era. Rutgers has won the last three meetings, including a 31-14 win in the most recent matchup on Oct. 21, 2023.
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