BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Kurtis Rourke threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score — all in the first half Friday night — as the Indiana Hoosiers broke the school’s single-game scoring record with a 77-3 rout of Western Illinois.
The Hoosiers (2-0) broke the previous mark of 76 points, set in a shutout of Franklin College in 1901, on Charlie Becker’s 3-yard TD run and the ensuing extra point with 9:10 to go. Coach Curt Cignetti also became the fourth Indiana coach since 1948 to win his first two games at the school.
Western Illinois (0-2) extended the longest losing streak in Division I football to 26 straight. The Leathernecks’ last win came Oct. 30, 2021.
But this one was never close.
Indiana scored TDs on each of its first six possessions, produced 415 yards on 38 plays in the first half and led 42-3 at halftime. The Hoosiers finished with 701 total yards.
Rourke, the 2022 Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Year and younger brother of BC Lions QB Nathan Rourke, was sensational in his second game with Indiana. He finished 15-of-17 passing with 268 yards, while rushing three times for 13 yards. Justice Ellison ran nine times for 117 yards and two TDs. Elijah Sarratt caught six passes for 137 yards, including a 71-yard TD.
Andison Coby got the scoring started with a 38-yard TD catch on the fifth play of the game. Ellison’s 2-yard TD run made it 14-0 before Sarratt’s long scoring play. And Ty Son Lawton’s 19-yard TD run gave Indiana a 28-0 lead late in the first quarter.
Western Illinois’ only score came on a 31-yard field goal in the final minute of the first half.
Ellison sealed it with a 47-yard TD run to open the second-half scoring.
THE TAKEAWAY
Western Illinois: This season certainly has not started well for the only active FBS or FCS team with two straight winless seasons. Both of this season’s losses came in blowouts, and the Leathernecks have lost eight of their last nine games by 39 or more points.
Indiana: The Hoosiers are off to a solid start that has been helped by a soft early-season schedule. Things get much tougher next week in their Big Ten opener at UCLA.
POWER OUTAGE
It wasn’t just Western Illinois lacking power Friday night. During warmups at halftime, both of the stadium’s scoreboards faded to black. After a short delay, the refs announced they would keep the official time on the field. A few minutes later, the scoreboards rebooted, showing about 10 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter.
UP NEXT
Western Illinois: Visits former conference foe Illinois State next Saturday.
Indiana: Makes its first appearance at the Rose Bowl since 1968 next Saturday against UCLA.
Kurtis Rourke, the talented quarterback from Canada, played a crucial role in leading the Indiana Hoosiers to a historic win against Western Illinois. Rourke’s impressive performance on the field showcased his skill and leadership abilities, solidifying his position as a key player for the team.
In the game against Western Illinois, Rourke displayed his ability to read the defense and make quick decisions under pressure. His accurate passes and strategic plays helped the Hoosiers secure a decisive victory, with Rourke throwing for over 300 yards and multiple touchdowns.
Rourke’s impact on the game was felt not only in his individual stats but also in the way he inspired and motivated his teammates. His positive attitude and strong work ethic set the tone for the entire team, pushing them to perform at their best and ultimately come out on top.
This win against Western Illinois marks a significant milestone for the Indiana Hoosiers, as it showcases their potential for success in the upcoming season. With Kurtis Rourke at the helm, the team looks poised to make a strong run in their conference and beyond.
Overall, Kurtis Rourke’s performance in guiding Indiana to this historic win highlights his talent and potential as a standout player in college football. His leadership on and off the field will undoubtedly continue to be a driving force for the Hoosiers as they strive for further success in the season ahead.