Running backs, where have you been?

Ever since IU quarterback Kellen Lewis has conducted the offensive orchestra, the running back solos have been mute.

When Lewis ventured onto the field at Memorial Stadium as a redshirt freshman in 2006, the Hoosiers’ coaching staff instantly became zealots of his jaw-dropping, dual-threat game.

His grandiose concerts not only have debilitated opposing defenses, but also have stowed him in numerous IU rushing records.

For the past two seasons, Lewis has established himself as the team’s leading rusher, which has shrunk the roles of Hoosier running backs.

He opened the Cream and Crimson’s 2008 campaign with the same song, topping all running backs with 185 yards on the ground against Western Kentucky.

But on Saturday the backfield responded and initiated a dichotomy between themselves and Lewis in a walloping 45-3 win against Murray State.

The Hoosiers’ running backs logged five of six rushing touchdowns on the wheels of
Marcus Thigpen – who had two of the six – Demetrius McCray, Zach Davis-Walker and Bryan Payton.

Backup quarterback Ben Chappell added a score on the ground as well.

The six rushing touchdowns against the Racers was the first time IU ran for six scores or more since they recorded seven touchdowns in a 63-32 victory against Wisconsin in
2001.

“We’re finally getting a run game going,” said Marcus Thigpen. “We’re rotating three backs, so it feels good to get a few carries and seeing everybody being productive out there getting yards and scoring touchdowns.”

We all know Lewis will re-emerge as a running threat in contests to come, but possessing authentic running backs coalesce the offensive unit. Not only does it complement a quarterback’s passing game, but also is key for discovering holes in the defense. If the IU backfield can build upon Saturday’s foundation, the Hoosiers’ opponents will have more difficulties on their plate than Lewis.

“Kellen has been our leading rusher for the last couple of years,” Thigpen said. “We’ve been emphasizing the backs actually running for the past two years. We have to prove that we can run the ball.”

Following Saturday night’s bout, I asked Lewis if he felt like shooting out into the open, but he seemed satisfied not being the centerpiece of the highlight reel. I gauged no signs of frustration from him at all.

“There was no reason for me to even break one,” said Lewis, who carried the ball once for a loss of 2 yards. “It just makes it that much better. Teams aren’t going to know whether we are going to run or throw the ball. It’s good to get everybody touching the ball.”

Don’t think handing the ball off is an unfamiliar situation for Lewis. Prior to his IU days, Lewis said the Racers’ game reminded him of his high school days where he was handing the ball off to soon-to-be D-1 athletes.

He was comfortable with it then, and there’s no question he’s comfortable with it now.

“(Murray State) did a good job trying to contain me, which obviously led to guys like Marcus (Thigpen), Demetrius (McCray), and Bryan Payton getting up the field,” Lewis said. “I had a spy the whole game and (Murray State was) going to take away my running game.”

The Hoosiers’ game plan against Murray State leads me to believe that IU coach Bill Lynch wants to resurrect the running backs. And I happen to agree with him. If IU can register six rushing touchdowns against a Football Championship Subdivision team, then they certainly can punch a few in against a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent.

And running the ball well is necessary. This is so rudimentary, but I feel obligated to put it out there – when a team establishes the run, the defense has no choice but to stack the line of scrimmage, consequently leaving plenty of opportunities for pass plays.

There’s a long road ahead to reach another bowl. Just keep running, Hoosiers, and maybe you will run your way right into that 13th game.