Henderson’s Return Boosts Hoosier Prospects
Pete DiPrimio | IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Josh Henderson contemplates his return to the Cream & Crimson football limelight. He is back running and blocking and helping his Indiana teammates in their quest for a season-altering victory streak. That is important. That is crucial. He’s no longer a sideline guy, had never been one until a recent quad injury cost him four games.
The senior running back was in the lineup against Penn State and aims to be there the rest of the way, starting Saturday at Memorial Stadium against Wisconsin (5-3).
“It was nice to get back out there,” he says. “It’s been a little bit. I missed it.”
Against the No. 10 Nittany Lions, Henderson ran 12 times for 57 yards, which is 4.8 yards per carry. He didn’t catch a pass, but that figures to come. He has six catches for 88 yards this season.
“I was excited to be out there,” he says. “Not playing was tough. It’s something I’ve never had to deal with before. It was frustrating. You want to help the team as much as you can.”
The Hoosiers embrace all the Henderson help they can get.
“He’s very important to us,” head coach Tom Allen says. “He worked really hard to come back. I’m encouraged by what he did last weekend. I’m not surprised.
“He’s a solid guy in every phase of catching the ball, pass protection, and running. He gives us a great presence. A lot of strong leadership. I expect him to continue to get healthier and get back to who he is, which is a great player for us.”
The injury came in practice after the Louisville game. Henderson was banged in the quad once, and then again.
“I tried to get back as fast as I could. You do a lot of treatments. Teammates were really supportive.”
Fellow running back Christian Turner had earlier been sidelined with an injury and helped ease Henderson’s frustration.
“We have a great relationship,” Henderson says. “We’re always pushing each other and being competitive with each other.”
In Henderson’s absence, sophomore Trent Howland has emerged.
“I know how hard he works,” Henderson says. “He keeps his head down. He’s been so positive. His road hasn’t been as smooth as he’d like. It’s a blessing to see him do what he does. He’s been doing that since I got here.”
Offensive coordinator Rod Carey sees signs of an improving running game. IU actually gained 122 yards against Penn State, but lost 37 of that because of sacks. It rushed for 153 yards the previous week against Rutgers.
“It was good to have Josh back,” Carey says. “He’s a big part of what we do. Trent is obviously a big part. CT (Turner) has had some time.
“If you take the sack yards out, and I know you can’t do that, but if you do, we averaged about 4.0 yards a carry (against Penn State), which is effective running.
“Now, the running game isn’t where it needs to be. None of it is. But in terms of being effective, the last two weeks have been better.”
The Hoosiers hope to get more from versatile Jaylin Lucas, who has been limited in recent weeks as opponents game-plan to stop him. He’s gained a total of 45 rushing and receiving yards in the last two games. Still, he leads IU with 242 rushing yards along with 29 catches.
“It’s a high priority for us to get him touches,” Carey says. “He’s also a high priority for defenses to not give him touches. It’s a bit of a cat-and-mouse game going on. We’re trying to be creative. Any time the defense takes something away, something else is there.
“He’s dynamic. It hasn’t been that way the last few weeks because the touches are down. My job is to get his touches up.”
Beyond that, “We have to move the ball and score.”
IU (2-6) has to win its final four regular season games to become bowl eligible. Caution and conservative offense, it seems, are no longer options.
“There is going to be some calculated risks that need to be taken,” Allen says. “With everything to gain, and nothing to lose, you have to play aggressive. We have to coach that way and play that way.
“The intensity is elevated. The urgency gets heightened when you know what’s at stake.”
The Penn State performance -- the teams were tied at 24-24 with three minutes remaining – provides hope of a strong finish despite the four-game losing streak.
“We’re excited,” Henderson says. “It was a frustrating loss, but we’re looking forward to taking on the next challenge. We know our best game is ahead of us.”