Offensive Line Powers Improved Rushing Attack
Pete DiPrimio | IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana has, at last, found its running game.
Could that be a difference maker against Purdue?
Absolutely.
Example A: IU’s FBS season-high 205 rushing yards and 4.5-yards-per-carry average against Michigan State.
Yes, running backs Trent Howland and Josh Henderson, along with quarterback Brendan Sorsby, get the glory, but that misses the deeper truth, which is the offensive line, once much maligned, is finding its groove.
For senior left guard Mike Katic, this is well-earned vindication approaching Saturday’s Old Oaken Bucket Game against the Boilermakers (3-8) at Ross-Ade Stadium.
“We’re a group of guys who have been through a lot of adversity these last couple of years,” he says. “Being able to show people that we have a good O-line, that we have a group of guys who love improving every day and practicing together, that satisfaction of improving is really rewarding.”
Reward comes under the direction of offensive coordinator Rod Carey and the relentless attention to detail from offensive line coach Bob Bostad.
The Hoosiers rushed for 80 yards and 2.4 yards per carry against Penn State. Against Wisconsin, it was 101 and 3.6. Against Illinois, it was 162 and 3.8.
Then came Michigan State.
“It’s great seeing how the line has come together,” Katic says. “We’ve improved every week. That’s a credit to Coach Bostad. His coaching has been great.”
What could this mean against Purdue, which ranks 10th in the Big Ten in rushing yards allowed at 141.3?
The Hoosiers are optimistic with Katic, senior center Zach Carpenter and senior right guard Matt Bedford leading the offensive-line way.
“I’m happy for the guys who have been with me all these years,” Katic says. “All the hard work is paying off. We’re looking forward to Saturday to keep doing it.”
That includes Carey, a center under former IU head coach Bill Mallory who has pushed for running excellence since taking over as offensive coordinator at the beginning of October.
“Our inside three guys have played really well,” Carey says. “It starts and ends there.
“It’s the time on task we put into the run game. We said a few weeks ago that we’ve got to get more production out of the run game for the commitment we’re putting to it. We did.
“A lot has to do with guys up front and the tight ends and the running backs.
“When it was working (against Michigan State), we weren’t going to go away from it. We had good control as far as moving the ball.”
He pauses.
“It’s one game. We have to do it again.”
Improvement comes from more than hard work.
“The chemistry we have on the O-line is making us produce,” Katic says. “Me and (Carpenter) gel well. I give him what he needs in combo blocks, and he does the same for me.
“We’ve had chemistry the whole year. We didn’t have it last year on the field. It’s cool seeing it pay off.”
Katic also praised the running backs.
“They do such a great job of finding the holes. They make us look good.”
Bostad’s rep-heavy practice approach has accelerated the development of young linemen.
“It’s cool as an older guy seeing these guys develop and grow,” Katic says. “I’m excited to keep watching them and keep tabs on them. They all have bright futures.”
As far as Purdue, Katic experienced the thrill of a Bucket victory in 2019. The game wasn’t played in 2020 because of COVID. The Boilers won the next two years.
A Pennsylvania native, Katic quickly realized the Bucket Game’s importance.
“After we lost to them in 2021 is when I understood it. Winning it was great, but losing it hurt more.”
Katic and the rest of the Hoosiers aim to leave the hurting to the Boilers on Saturday.
“I’m working to get back to that feeling of wining the Bucket,” he says. “I’m doing it for everyone who came before me. We have such strong alumni. Winning the Bucket means everything.
“This will be my last game in the (IU) uniform. I’m going to give it everything I got. I’m excited to lead this team out there and get the Bucket back in Bloomington.”