Chappell, Willis shine for Hoosiers

Senior quarterback Ben Chappell and sophomore running back Darius Willis took a well-deserved early shower Thursday night. Chappell and Willis’ near-perfect first half gave the Hoosiers all they needed to defeat Towson 51-17.

Chappell, a Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award nominee, was given a short field to work with for IU’s second drive of the game thanks to an interception from senior linebacker Tyler Replogle. Five plays and a touchdown pass to wide-open freshman tight end Ted Bolser was all Chappell needed to get the Hoosiers a lead they would never relinquish.

And Chappell’s performance was done without his go-to man, junior wide receiver Tandon Doss. The offensive line did not allow a sack, which helped Chappell dice up Towson’s undersized secondary.

The early success of the passing game opened up the floodgates for a hungry Willis. The sophomore running back that was hobbled by injuries last season reminded IU fans of his big-play ability, busting out for a 49-yard run to give the Hoosiers a 14-0 lead.

Although Willis had big games against Michigan and Purdue in 2009, injuries prevented a breakout season. Besides showing off his big play ability, Willis bounced off Towson defenders all night. 

“Darius runs the ball hard and usually doesn’t go down on first contact,” Chappell said. “Being balanced like that is huge for us and allows us to move the ball.”

Willis has demonstrated an ability to bounce it to the outside, but the sophomore made a statement with his power Thursday. Ending his night early, Willis finished with 102 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns.

IU’s offensive production continued in the second quarter. Three minutes in, Chappell hit junior receiver Damarlo Belcher down the sideline for a 41-yard touchdown pass.

The Chappell-to-Belcher connection became an early trend, with Belcher tallying seven first half receptions.

Halfway through the third quarter with IU holding a secure 48-14 lead, Chappell and Willis were given the rest of the night off.

IU coach Bill Lynch recognized the significance of an early win, even if it was not against a Big Ten caliber opponent.

“Every win is so important in Division 1A college football,” Lynch said.