Christian Turner could be spark needed for sluggish Indiana football rushing attack

The identity of the Indiana football offense was re-confirmed this week with a simple answer; run-first offense. However, that doesn’t pass the eye test through four games this season. Entering week five, Indiana has struggled to put together any effective rushing attack on a consistent basis. That didn’t stop the talk though.

“We’re a run-first football team with an option element,” IU offensive coordinator Walt Bell said this week.

Indiana currently ranks 13th in the Big Ten in rushing yards (435), yards per carry (3.2) and yards per game (108.8). It ranks seventh in total attempts (136).

In four games, Indiana has run for 58, 71, 92 and 214 yards. Its 200-yard performance came against FCS opponent Indiana State. The other three performances came against FBS programs and all resulted in less than average games on the ground.

But, on Saturday against Akron, Indiana may have found a spark to its rushing attack. With Josh Henderson out with injury — something that may keep him out for a few more weeks — transfer back Christian Turner stepped into a larger role.

Turner, who had totaled just 12 carries in the previous three weeks, had 13 attempts for a team-high 67 yards and one touchdown. It was the best rushing performance by an Indiana running back on the season outside of the week two win over Indiana State when Jaylin Lucas ran for 88 yards with an 8.8 average.

“It was more of executing my assignment,” Turner said. “Whatever it was whatever the plan call was, just doing my part and what I could for my team.”

So, as Big Ten play resumes, Turner looks to have an expanded role.

“Christian’s a really good football player and just unfortunate for him to have a littlest of the injury bug … he’s as healthy as he can be right now,” Bell said. “He’s a hard runner, he levels off his pads … he’s a really good football player who has worked really diligently to play. With josh being down for a  little bit, he’s a guy who is going to get a lions share of those reps.”

Turner is now up to 25 carries for 116 yards and two touchdowns this season. His 4.6 average is top among all Indiana running backs and it’s been the consistent, even with limited touches. He’s gone 4.1 yards per carry, 3.7 in week two, 4.5 and then Saturday’s 5.2.

Saturday’s performance was also the second game this season he led the Hoosiers in rushing — the other was Ohio State.

“CT (Christian Turner) is a very good running back, and he’s gonna be in the NFL someday,” Indiana quarterback Tayven Jackson said. “Him being a veteran and playing a lot of years in college football, that gives me confidence back there in run blocks and giving him the ball up the gut. He’s a phenomenal back and I’m just happy that he’s on our team.”

Turner transferred to Indiana in the offseason from Wake Forest after totaling 1,022 yards and 12 touchdowns in two seasons. He also spent two years at Michigan to start his career. He’s played in two of the top leagues in college football throughout his entire career.

“I’ve been in college for a while and played for different teams,” Turner said. “I’ve had to understand a lot of systems. I’ve had to adapt to each system.”

While the rushing attack hasn’t been up to the standard that Indiana wants — and needs — the turning point could be coming from Turner’s performance last week.

But, regardless, it’s going to be a group effort moving forward. And, it’s also a major priority for the rushing attack to get on track.

“I feel like we’ve got to be able to run the football,” Indiana head coach Tom Allen said. “Did not do a good job of that at all. Didn’t stay on blocks. We got to the right people and didn’t finish them. That has to change. That’s a big area of focus this week.”

Now, Turner just needs to be highlighted in the offense more.

“Christian is just – he’s got moves like you’ve never seen,” Jaylin Lucas said smiling earlier this season. “Ya’ll really haven’t seen the real Christian yet. Christian, he’s like that.”

Well, Saturday may have been just the start for Turner and the ‘real’ Christian moving forward.

SEE ALSO: Tayven Jackson has Indiana football offense ‘locked in on the details’ as Big Ten play resumes

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