Grant Wilson needed one play to find Charlie Becker in overtime against Minnesota. The 25-yard touchdown put Indiana ahead for good in a 23-16 win, giving the Hoosiers their second straight overtime victory. It was also a glimpse of what the offense can do when it gives one of its best receivers a chance to change a game.

Becker finished with eight catches for 149 yards, his fourth 100-yard game of the season and seventh of his Indiana career. Wilson had taken over at quarterback for the second half and overtime. Their connection settled a game that Indiana nearly lost in regulation, when it needed Paddy McAteer’s program-record 60-yard field goal with two seconds left to tie the score at 16.

A week earlier, Indiana beat Michigan 13-6 in overtime. The Hoosiers scored 22 points in regulation across those two games. That stretch makes Becker’s production particularly important. He can take a drive that might otherwise require three or four third-down conversions and get Indiana downfield on one well-timed throw. The overtime touchdown showed how quickly a possession can change when the quarterback sees a matchup he likes and acts on it.

There is room for Indiana to get more out of its receivers on ordinary downs. A play-action throw on first down can put a linebacker in conflict and open a window behind him. A quick completion on second-and-long can restore a manageable third down and keep the entire playbook available. Those opportunities matter for an offense that has spent the last two games playing with little margin for a stalled drive.

Nick Marsh offers a second established option. Entering the USC game, he had caught a pass in all 32 of his career games and made multiple catches in 31 straight. When a safety shades toward Becker, the coverage can give Marsh room to work on the other side. Getting both receivers involved early would force opponents to show how they intend to defend the full width of the field. That information can help Indiana find favorable matchups as the game goes on.

The Hoosiers are 9-1 in one-score games under Curt Cignetti, including 4-1 this season. They have earned confidence in those situations. The next step is to give the offense more chances to take control before the final possession. Against Minnesota, a record field goal bought Indiana the chance to win in overtime. Saturday against USC, one more productive drive in the first half could change what Indiana needs from its final drive.

Source: Yahoo Sports