Indiana football made history by reaching a 9-0 record for the first time ever, following a decisive 47-10 victory against Michigan State. The win not only marked a significant milestone for the Hoosiers, but also welcomed back starting quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who had missed the previous week's game due to a thumb injury.
Rourke's return was key as he showcased his skill and composure against the Spartans, finishing the game with 19 completions on 29 attempts for 263 yards and four touchdowns. Despite a slow start, he quickly found his groove, positioning himself as a Heisman Trophy contender and solidifying first-year coach Curt Cignetti's reputation on the national coaching scene.
The Hoosiers (9-0, 6-0) faced a brief setback, falling behind for the first time this season as Michigan State (4-5, 2-4) scored the opening points. However, Indiana responded with overwhelming dominance, highlighted by a relentless defense that recorded seven sacks, including 2.5 by standout player Mikail Kamara. The Spartans managed just 205 total yards and averaged just 3.2 yards per play.
This historic season compares favorably to Indiana's greatest teams, including the 1967 team that won the Big Ten, reached the Rose Bowl and finished with a 9-2 record. The 1945 team, coached by Bo McMillin, also had nine wins, finishing with a 9-0-1 record in the Western Conference, which later became the Big Ten.
Looking ahead, the 2024 Hoosiers have a chance to secure their first double-digit winning season, with a crucial game against struggling defending national champion Michigan next week at home. If they can secure that win, their remaining schedule includes a challenging trip to Ohio State and a rivalry game against Purdue, currently at the bottom of the Big Ten.
Indiana's potential matchup with Ohio State could be for a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game against No. 1 Oregon. Even if the Hoosiers were to lose in Columbus, they would still likely remain in the mix for a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, provided they continue to win their other games. Current projections suggest a strong 87% chance for Indiana to make the playoff field.
This season has been extraordinary for all of college football, with several unexpected results, including Vanderbilt's win over Alabama, both Army and Navy making the top 25, and Pittsburgh starting the season with a record 7-0 for the first time since 1982. Indiana's success is a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of this year's college football landscape.
