Indiana's running back situation took another hit Saturday night, but Lee Beebe Jr. made sure the Hoosiers had an answer.
The Indiana Hoosiers entered its Big Ten opener already without Khobie Martin, who has yet to play this season. Then, in the second quarter of Indiana's 29-23 win over Northwestern, Turbo Richard went down with an injury leaving the Hoosiers with one healthy option to carry the bulk of the workload.
Lee Beebe Jr. answered the call.
The fifth-year running back carried the ball 24 times for 203 yards and a touchdown, repeatedly keeping Indiana's offense moving while taking on a much larger role than originally expected.
"Beebe started breaking tackles," Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti said after the game. "Most of his carries in the second half...because Turbo's down, Khobie's down, right? Really proud of him."
Beebe's performance became even more important as the game unfolded. Indiana dominated much of the night statistically but struggled to turn that advantage into separation on the scoreboard. After a frantic opening half, the Hoosiers eventually settled down defensively, and Beebe became a major part of that second-half response.
The Indiana coaches will love that Beebe stepped up, but they hate why it had to happen. Richard was off to a great start after his first carry went for 33 yards. He finished with 68 yards even though he didn't even make it to halftime.
"You just hate to see that happen to a good player like that, who was playing really well," Cignetti said of Richard's injury. "But he'll do everything he can to get back as soon as possible."
The situation leaves Indiana with some questions at running back moving forward. Martin has already missed the first four games of the season, and Richard's injury did not look good. He fell awkwardly and couldn't put any weight on his leg as he was helped to the sideline and locker room. His exit created another potential hole in a position that has been important to the Hoosiers' offensive identity.
Fortunately for Indiana, Beebe showed that he is capable of carrying a significant workload.
Cignetti emphasized just how much he values the veteran running back, comparing his toughness and determination to former Indiana standout and current San Francisco 49er Kaelon Black.
"He's got as much heart as anybody that's been in this program in the last three years," Cignetti said. "I would compare his heart to Kaelon Black's heart."
Beebe also has his own history with injuries, having missed all but three games last season after getting hurt while playing well. Now, with Indiana needing him more than ever, he delivered when his team needed him most.
The Hoosiers still have plenty to clean up offensively, particularly along the offensive line and at tight end, according to Cignetti. But with Big Ten play underway, having a running back capable of taking over a game could prove critical.
For at least one night, Beebe gave Indiana exactly that.
