In a game where Indiana needed someone to step up, Charlie Becker was there ready to prove himself on a national stage.
The sophomore wide receiver turned in one of his most complete performances of the season in Indiana’s 27-24 win at Penn State, finishing with seven catches for 118 yards. His longest reception went for 53 yards.
“It helps having probably the best wide receiver coach in the country, in Coach Shanahan,” Becker said. Becker gave props to learning from former teammates who’ve turned pro and current teammates including Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr.
Indiana was without its leading receiver, the aforementioned Sarratt, which is why it turned to fourth-string option in Becker.
This isn’t the first time Becker has seen the field this season. He had playing time against all three of Indiana’s nonconference opponents earlier in the year and scored a touchdown against Kennesaw State. He also appeared against Big Ten opponents UCLA and Maryland.
Becker’s reliability was on full display throughout the night, making big catches when needed, including a 17-yard jump ball reception on Indiana’s game-winning drive. The Nashville, Tennessee native showed a clear connection with his roommate and Heisman-favorite quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Mendoza was able to escape closing pockets and make plays thanks to Becker’s ability to win contested catches on Saturday. Of the handful of 50-50 balls Mendoza threw to Becker, it felt like it was a 100-0 chance of Becker making the play.
Having a strong performance against Penn State was vital for Indiana. The Hoosiers entered the game with major implications on the line in an undefeated season and a potential College Football Playoff run.
Becker’s ability to step into the role the way he did was not only crucial for those reasons, but also solidified he will be another weapon for Indiana’s offense. His showing proved that the Hoosiers can still produce with confidence even when missing Sarratt.
Moving forward, Becker gives Indiana another option in the receiving corps, making the Hoosiers an even tougher opponent to prepare for.
In his Monday press conference, head coach Curt Cignetti praised Becker for his performance, saying he has consistently taken advantage of opportunities well before the Penn State game and that the staff was proud of how he rose to the occasion.
“We knew he had skills. He’s long. He’s always done a great job on special teams,” Cignetti said. “He made some good catches when he had a chance to play this season, but in that venue to make those plays he was the offensive player of the game.”
Cignetti followed by saying that they need to stay humble and hungry and to build on that performance.
With Saturday’s performance in mind and Sarratt needing to heal, there is a strong chance that Indiana fans could see more of Becker moving forward for the rest of the season.
