The No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers will be down a couple of key running backs when they next take on Rutgers on the road in Week 5. Khobie Martin suffered an injury in Indiana's season opener against North Texas and is not expected to return until midseason. On Friday night, Turbo Richard is believed to have suffered a high ankle sprain in Indiana's 29-23 win over Northwestern.
"Indiana standout running back Turbo Richard suffered what’s believed to be a high ankle sprain last night against Northwestern, sources tell CBSSports," Zenitz posted on X. "Another hit to the running back group for No. 5 ranked Indiana. IU was already without backup Khobie Martin due to injury." More News: Exclusive: Breakout NFL Executives Who Could Become Future General Managers More News: 4 QBs Generating Serious Trade Buzz Weeks Before NFL Regular Season Starts Richard carried the ball nine times for 68 yards on Friday night.
He has 383 yards and four touchdowns on 50 carries this season. Indiana will need to lean on Lee Beebe Jr. in the backfield while Martin and Richard are sidelined. Beebe had a huge night for Indiana against Northwestern, rushing for 203 yards and a score on 24 carries.
Beebe has rushed for 398 yards and three touchdowns on 71 touches this season. When speaking to reporters after Friday night's win, Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti praised Beebe for his play against Northwestern. "That guy's got a lot of heart," Cignetti said of Beebe, via ESPN.
"Boy, he's got as much heart as anyone that's been in this program the last three years. Not only didn't he step in, he played and fortunately they couldn't tackle him. It was all grit and heart." The rushing attack is a crucial element of the offense for the Hoosiers.
Indiana has 934 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground compared to 921 yards and 13 touchdowns through the air. The health of their running backs will be critical if the Hoosiers want to return to the College Football Playoff. For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.
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