EAST LANSING, MI — Indiana University football fans celebrated a triumphant victory at Spartan Stadium on Saturday, as the No. 13 Hoosiers secured a dominant 47-10 win against Michigan State. With this victory, the Hoosiers improved their season record to 9-0 overall and 6-0 in the Big Ten Conference, achieving the best start in program history.
The game became particularly memorable as Indiana’s 47 points marked the highest total ever scored by the team against the Spartans, exceeding the previous benchmark of 46 points achieved in 2006. Notably, IU’s victory was its most decisive in this longstanding rivalry, surpassing a previous 31-0 win in 1991, despite giving Michigan State an early 10-point lead.
Returning to the lineup after a thumb injury, IU quarterback Kurtis Rourke exemplified resilience, throwing for 252 yards and three touchdowns while completing 18 of 28 passes. Rourke showcased his skills in the latter stages of the game, connecting on deep throws with teammates Omar Cooper and Elijah Sarratt.
Initially, the Spartan Stadium crowd rallied behind Michigan State after they took a 10-0 lead, even erupting into an “overrated” chant. However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically as the Hoosiers responded with 47 unanswered points, demonstrating their superior play and determination. The Indiana defense was a critical factor in this turnaround, forcing three turnovers and tallying seven sacks, well-displayed by defensive end Mikail Kamara, who recorded 2.5 sacks and delivered significant pressure throughout the game.
Despite their early struggles, where Indiana notably failed to score in the first quarter for the first time all season, they quickly regained their composure under coach Curt Cignetti. The first quarter streak of outscoring opponents 87-0 came to an end, highlighting the challenges the team faced, yet it also underscored their ability to respond and adapt.
The Hoosiers are now not only celebrating a historic win and an undefeated season so far but also reinforcing their growing reputation as a formidable force in college football. Their continued excellence provides a hopeful outlook for the remainder of the season as they aim to build on this success. With players like Rourke and Kamara leading the charge, Indiana is setting the stage for a potentially unforgettable season.