Rourke Shines with 4 TDs as No. 13 Hoosiers Defeat Spartans 47-10, Achieving Historic 9-0 Start

LANSING, Mich. — Kurtis Rourke delivered an impressive performance, throwing for 263 yards and four touchdowns, including two to Elijah Sarratt, as No. 13 Indiana triumphed over Michigan State with a commanding score of 47-10. This victory marked a historic achievement for the Hoosiers, who secured their first-ever 9-0 start in school history.

After missing the previous game due to surgery on his injured right thumb, Rourke showed no signs of lingering issues, completing 19 of 29 passes. The Hoosiers found themselves trailing 10-0 in the first quarter but mounted an incredible response, scoring 47 unanswered points to extend their winning streak to nine games, all by double digits. This season marks only the third time in Indiana's storied history that they have reached nine wins.

"It's awesome," Rourke expressed about achieving a 9-0 record. "It's just a great feeling. We've prepared for this moment since January... We knew we had a special team." He added that he was eager to keep the momentum going.

Despite playing with a splint and glove on his thumb, Rourke managed to lead his team effectively after Michigan State initially took control with a field goal and an early touchdown pass from Aidan Chiles to Nick Marsh—Indiana's first time trailing this season.

Rourke quickly answered back by guiding the Hoosiers downfield for three touchdowns within four drives: a 17-yard pass to Zach Horton and a one-yard rush by Ty Son Lawton put Indiana ahead. He then capped off the first half with another touchdown pass, this time to Sarratt.

"We had to trail at some point," Sarratt commented. "I'm glad we overcame it now... We knew we were just going out there and trying to execute each time."

The second half saw Indiana continue its dominance with additional scores including a blocked punt resulting in safety, more touchdown passes from Rourke—this time connecting with Myles Price—and a rushing touchdown from Omar Cooper Jr.

"Michigan State came out and really made some impressive plays on offense... But then we got a couple turnovers on defense which were huge," said Indiana coach Curt Cignetti regarding his team's performance.

On the other side, Chiles completed 16 of 24 passes for 193 yards but left the game in the third quarter after taking a hit while attempting to throw away the ball.

"We got embarrassed today," stated Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith. "It's a terrible taste in our mouths."

The takeaway

Indiana: The Hoosiers showcased their defensive prowess, highlighted by two interceptions from Amare Ferrell and holding Michigan State to minus-24 rushing yards while also recording seven sacks and numerous tackles for loss.

Michigan State: Turnovers plagued the Spartans again as Chiles threw his eleventh interception of the season; overall, they have accumulated more turnovers than offensive touchdowns this year.

Poll implications

The dominant victory positions Indiana favorably as they likely will rise further in national rankings after securing their ninth win by double digits.

Up next

Indiana will host Michigan on Nov. 9 while Michigan State travels to Illinois on Nov. 16.

Rourke delivered an outstanding performance, throwing four touchdown passes as the No. 13 Hoosiers triumphed over the Spartans with a score of 47-10. This victory marks a historic achievement for the Hoosiers, who now boast an impressive record of 9-0.