It looked like Indiana’s season was about to hit a major roadblock.
For a team and a fanbase that has aspirations and goals of going undefeated again, Saturday certainly had moments that would cause some concern.
The Hoosiers had their backs against the wall, down 10 points, with 12 minutes to go. On the road, after scoring just six points all game, Indiana needed a score, and needed it quick. With all the questions that have surrounded Josh Hoover and this Indiana team, it was another transfer, who rose to the occasion to turn the tides.
Right after Nebraska went down the field and took a 17-6 lead, the fans inside Memorial Stadium thought they had finally found their moment. After losing 31 straight matchups against AP-Top 25 opponents entering Saturday, the Husker faithful could almost feel the weight get lifted off their shoulders.
Nick Marsh put the weight right back on.
The junior wideout broke free on an RPO, for a 75-yard touchdown catch, getting Indiana within four, just eight seconds after falling behind by two scores.
After a defensive stop, Indiana was driving, and had a fourth-and-1, on the Nebraska 44-yard line. A first down, and the Hoosiers would keep the drive alive to potentially go take the lead. If Nebraska got a stop, all momentum goes back Nebraska’s way and could potentially seal the deal later.
Marsh didn’t just continue the drive, he took the lead. Indiana brought in a “jumbo” package, with a few defensive linemen in to play on offense, a package that typically leads to a run play. However, Curt Cignetti had a different idea, the package was in place to free up Marsh, who took Hoover’s pass 44-yards to the house to give Indiana a lead they would never give up.
Marsh and the Indiana offense didn’t have much success in the first half, scoring just three points and having just 115 yards of offense. However, Marsh had confidence from the start, that one of himself or Charlie Becker would get involved and have success
“We ran a couple pass plays and just realized those guys can’t guard us,” Marsh said. “You know, you gotta take one of us, and if you take one of us, the other guy's gonna eat. So, you know, shout out to Charlie, man, that dude got me open.”
Marsh is starting to get in a rhythm, which is scary for opposing defenses who have to gameplan for this Indiana offense.
Now, teams have to concern themselves with a rushing attack that averages over 200 yards a game, along with two receivers who both have over 500 yards and six touchdowns this year. Not to mention, the quarterback leading the way, Josh Hoover, has not turned the ball over this season.
With Marsh’s production rising, there are increasing signs that Indiana’s offense is one of the top in the nation, and that this team is a legit threat to run the table again this year.
Cignetti acknowledged after the game that Indiana had installed specific packages and plays to take advantage of Marsh’s skill set. Based on Saturday’s performance, the adjustments are paying off.
“We put a package in where we could utilize his skills a little bit more, and I've seen the improvement the last four weeks,” Cignetti said. “ He made some big plays today, and I’m happy for him.”
The improvement from Marsh is apparent. After Saturday, Marsh has now had back to back games with over 120 yards receiving with three total touchdowns in those games.
But this level of production is hardly unfamiliar territory for Marsh.
He arrived in Bloomington from Michigan State as one of the most highly touted transfers and one of the premier receiving additions in the country. When his production took time to materialize during the opening weeks, questions began to emerge about his role in the offense.
Marsh has answered those questions with performances that speak for themselves.
Saturday was his loudest response yet.
Marsh stepped up when Indiana needed him most on Saturday, extended the win streak to 22, and more importantly, reminded everyone in the country that he is one of the best receivers in college football.
