Indiana University Athletics
Saturday, November 13
Bloomington, Ind.
Noon
Indiana University
vs
Rutgers
Rutgers Challenge -- Opportunities Await
11/12/2021 9:46:00 AM | Football
By Pete DiPrimio
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - In an ideal world, and this Indiana football season has been far from ideal, the running backs will be at full strength for the final three games.
That means Stephen Carr will be back in his starting tailback roll, the injury that sidelined him for most of last Saturday's Michigan game no longer a factor.
In this world, the Hoosiers (2-7) hope Carr and his 600 rushing yards and six touchdowns will be back for Saturday's home game against Rutgers (4-5).
"Stephen is trying to get his way back," head coach Tom Allen says, "but we still don't know yet.
"The other guys who have been playing will be given great opportunities to take full advantage of that if Stephen can't go."
Walk-on Davion Ervin-Poindexter has rushed 25 times for 151 yards (6.0 yards per carry) and a touchdown. Walk-on Chris Childers, an Indiana State transfer, has rushed 28 times for 121 yards (4.3 yards per carry) and a TD.
Allen says David Holloman and Charlie Spegal, "have been getting lots of reps this week." Holloman has rushed five times for seven yards. Spegal has one carry for three yards.
"They have been in the mix, more so here lately," Allen says. "We're trying to see who we have to give us opportunities to make plays."
IU's quarterback situation is improving. Allen says veterans Michael Penix Jr. and Jack Tuttle are getting more and more practice work along with Donaven McCulley. Penix and Tuttle have been sidelined with injuries, leaving McCulley, a true freshman, as the starter the last two weeks.
"We've definitely gotten more opportunities this week than last, which is very positive," Allen says. "We will have multiple quarterbacks ready to play on Saturday."
IU's five-game losing streak has been a major blow for a team that began with Big Ten title aspirations. Allen continues to push, making the most of what remains.
"It's focusing on the concept of persevering," he says. "It's the grit piece, which is perseverance and passion toward a long-term goal. Trying to relate that to life.
"We are trying to relate it to what we're going through and focus on winning every day. That's been a major focal point as we meet with them, talk with them, share with them, show them videos and present it in different ways. Let different people talk, even have former players talk to them through video.
"It's being able to encourage the guys and their mindsets. Focus on the things you can control. Don't look ahead. Don't look at the past.
"The guys who will play on Saturday have one decision to make, and that's to make sure they are locked in and focused, that they have prepared their very best and for us to play our best football."
Beyond that, the focus is on recruiting. More and more, Allen says, that includes transfers.
"There is no question the transfer portal has become a part of the new culture of college football and roster management techniques that you use as a staff to manage it and have a proper sequencing of ages on your team. I'm talking in terms of the number of freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors so that you have good balance. You don't want to lose a large amount from one group.
"The focus is going to be on the defensive line, potentially at safety and wide receiver. You're always trying to find mature offensive linemen. It can really be a benefit if they can play multiple (offensive line) positions.
"Running back is an obvious one.
"We have needs in those areas and we will address them, and try to find the best players to fill those, whether they are out of high school or through the transfer portal."
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - In an ideal world, and this Indiana football season has been far from ideal, the running backs will be at full strength for the final three games.
That means Stephen Carr will be back in his starting tailback roll, the injury that sidelined him for most of last Saturday's Michigan game no longer a factor.
In this world, the Hoosiers (2-7) hope Carr and his 600 rushing yards and six touchdowns will be back for Saturday's home game against Rutgers (4-5).
"Stephen is trying to get his way back," head coach Tom Allen says, "but we still don't know yet.
"The other guys who have been playing will be given great opportunities to take full advantage of that if Stephen can't go."
Walk-on Davion Ervin-Poindexter has rushed 25 times for 151 yards (6.0 yards per carry) and a touchdown. Walk-on Chris Childers, an Indiana State transfer, has rushed 28 times for 121 yards (4.3 yards per carry) and a TD.
Allen says David Holloman and Charlie Spegal, "have been getting lots of reps this week." Holloman has rushed five times for seven yards. Spegal has one carry for three yards.
"They have been in the mix, more so here lately," Allen says. "We're trying to see who we have to give us opportunities to make plays."
IU's quarterback situation is improving. Allen says veterans Michael Penix Jr. and Jack Tuttle are getting more and more practice work along with Donaven McCulley. Penix and Tuttle have been sidelined with injuries, leaving McCulley, a true freshman, as the starter the last two weeks.
"We've definitely gotten more opportunities this week than last, which is very positive," Allen says. "We will have multiple quarterbacks ready to play on Saturday."
IU's five-game losing streak has been a major blow for a team that began with Big Ten title aspirations. Allen continues to push, making the most of what remains.
"It's focusing on the concept of persevering," he says. "It's the grit piece, which is perseverance and passion toward a long-term goal. Trying to relate that to life.
"We are trying to relate it to what we're going through and focus on winning every day. That's been a major focal point as we meet with them, talk with them, share with them, show them videos and present it in different ways. Let different people talk, even have former players talk to them through video.
"It's being able to encourage the guys and their mindsets. Focus on the things you can control. Don't look ahead. Don't look at the past.
"The guys who will play on Saturday have one decision to make, and that's to make sure they are locked in and focused, that they have prepared their very best and for us to play our best football."
Beyond that, the focus is on recruiting. More and more, Allen says, that includes transfers.
"There is no question the transfer portal has become a part of the new culture of college football and roster management techniques that you use as a staff to manage it and have a proper sequencing of ages on your team. I'm talking in terms of the number of freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors so that you have good balance. You don't want to lose a large amount from one group.
"The focus is going to be on the defensive line, potentially at safety and wide receiver. You're always trying to find mature offensive linemen. It can really be a benefit if they can play multiple (offensive line) positions.
"Running back is an obvious one.
"We have needs in those areas and we will address them, and try to find the best players to fill those, whether they are out of high school or through the transfer portal."
Players Mentioned
RB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
QB
/ Football
QB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
QB
/ FootballFB: Inside IU Football with Curt Cignetti - Week 9 (UCLA)
Thursday, October 23
FB: Under the Hood with Indiana Football - Week 9 (UCLA)
Wednesday, October 22
FB: Omar Cooper Jr. Media Availability (10/21/25)
Tuesday, October 21
FB: Stephen Daley Media Availability (10/21/25)
Tuesday, October 21