NEW YORK—Heading into Saturday's New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium, one of the biggest question marks for both teams is the availability of Indiana running back Jordan Howard. The junior exited the Hoosier's Nov. 21 win against Maryland with a knee injury, leaving Indiana without one of its most explosive weapons.
Less than 48 hours removed from kickoff, Howard’s status still remains a mystery.
“I think it’s still up in the air,” Indiana quarterback Nate Sudfeld said Thursday. “I talk to him all the time and he doesn’t talk about it.”
Prior to his injury, the Gardendale, Ala., native was averaging 134.8 rushing yards per game on 6.2 yards per carry. Howard’s efficacy on the ground helped set up the Hoosier’s potent aerial threat, which has averaged 285.9 yards a game. Whether or not the junior running back plays Saturday will affect both teams’ game plans, but the Hoosiers have been coy with details about his health.
Howard's success dates back to his freshman year—since 2013, he ranks second nationally in both rushing attempts with 451 and in yards per game with 107.3. This season, Howard has taken the bulk of carries for the Hoosiers when healthy and has punched the ball into the end zone nine times in nine games.
The good news for Indiana is that backup Devine Redding has also performed well out of the backfield in Howard's absence. The sophomore has amassed 845 rushing yards on 4.1 yards per carry and has scored eight rushing touchdowns.
“Jordan’s a great player and obviously we’d love to have him out at 100 [percent]. We’d take him at 80 percent,” Indiana offensive coordinator Kevin Johns said. “At the same time, we’re ready to go with whoever is going to step up and play running back for us, whether it’s Devine Redding or Andrew Wilson or whoever it is. Those guys have done a great job.”
If Indiana are able to establish an effective run-game—a task made easier if Howard is able to go—that opens up the field for Sudfeld against a Duke secondary that will be without ACC Defensive Player of the Year Jeremy Cash. The Hoosier signal-caller has been as effective as Howard has been on the ground, throwing for 3,184 yards and 24 touchdowns this season.
Although Howard is clearly a key part of the Indiana offense and a dangerous threat out of the backfield, the Blue Devils have not let his uncertain status affect their preparations for Saturday’s bowl game.
“We’ve been preparing for both [Howard and Redding],” Duke senior linebacker Dwayne Norman said. “They’re both equally good. So I don’t think that even if he doesn’t play, it’s not a drop off to the next guy. They’re both really good running backs and we’re prepared for both of them.”
Whether or not Howard plays and how healthy he is if he does play could be a huge factor in determining the outcome of the game as the Blue Devils look for their first bowl win since 1961. When starting lineups are announced Saturday, he will be the first name everyone looks for.
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