Indiana began the season with 12 consecutive victories.But coach Tom Crean said IU is a better team now than they were after capturing that 12th straight victory Dec. 22 against Maryland-Baltimore County.The No.BLOOMINGTON – It’s a move Indiana wide receiver Damarlo Belcher says he practices every day at practice.
And it’s a move that left Illinois cornerback Dere Hicks grasping at air.
Belcher turned a short pass from quarterback Ben Chappell into a 29-yard touchdown, juking Hicks near the 15-yard line. Belcher shook one way and then went the other, causing Hicks to fall on his face. Belcher, a North Side graduate, had a big day, matching a career high with six catches for 91 yards and the touchdown in the 27-14 victory over the Illini.
“It was a big game for me; definitely a game that I needed,” Belcher said. “I wasn’t getting the looks that I wanted the last few games. I finally did this game, and I showed what I could do.”
Belcher is second on the team in receptions (32), receiving yards (379) and is tied for first with two touchdown catches.
“He is going to keep getting better if he works at it. Damarlo has a lot of ability, physically, in his size, speed and strength. He can catch the ball and has proven he can make someone miss when he runs the ball,” IU coach Bill Lynch said. “That is the tough thing about spreading the ball around, because you would like to get everyone certain amounts of touches each game, but you have to take what the defense gives you. You can’t force things. I see teams who try to force the issue and make sure this guy touches the ball so many times. It doesn’t work out that way though. You have to play the game and let the opportunities come.
“Your guys have to make the most of those opportunities, and there were opportunities that came Damarlo’s way Saturday. I was proud of him because he took advantage of his opportunities. We have two really good young wide receivers in Tandon (Doss) and Damarlo. I am confident they will continue to improve and work at it.”
Battling injuries
Linebacker Will Patterson is out for Saturday’s game against Northwestern with a hand injury. Justin Carrington will step in. Linebacker Leon Beckum, who has had a lingering ankle injury, is also expected to return to action.
Cornerbacks Adrian Burks and Andre LaGrone, a South Side graduate, could see more playing time because Donnell Jones will miss the game with an elbow injury. LaGrone has played in six games and has two tackles and one interception.
“I think that is why practice is so important as kids come down with injuries,” Lynch said. “A kid has to get himself prepared all of the time, because he doesn’t know what week he will be called upon. Every rep since the beginning of August pays off, and I think Collin Taylor (who filled in for an injured Chris Adkins at nickel back last week) is a perfect example of that. It will be somebody else this week who has to step up.”
