Indiana football improved to 2-0 Friday night with its 77-3 thumping of Western Illinois University. The Hoosiers set the program record for the most points scored in a game and broke the record for the highest margin of victory inside Memorial Stadium –– previously 52-0 in 2019 against Eastern Illinois University.
“It was a good night because I was pleased that our team played with an edge and an attitude, and at a high standard –– the (starters) I’m talking about,” Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti said postgame. “(We) didn’t play down to the competition.”
The Hoosiers seized control immediately, scoring on their first offensive drive via fifth-year senior Andison Coby’s 38-yard touchdown catch from sixth-year senior quarterback Kurtis Rourke.
Following the Leathernecks’ first three-and-out, Indiana fifth-year senior running back Justice Ellison powered into the endzone for a two-yard touchdown.
Western Illinois went three-and-out in each of its first five series. By the time the visitors gained their maiden first down with 1:51 left in the first half, the Hoosiers led 42-0 and had already racked up 21 first downs.
After entering the halftime locker room with a 42-3 advantage, Indiana rotated through its second-team offense throughout the second half. Rourke trotted on the field for the Hoosiers’ opening drive of the second half –– his final one of the contest.
Rourke went 15-of-17 for 268 yards and two touchdowns, finishing with a quarterback rating of 259.5.
Junior wide receiver Elijah Sarratt led the Hoosiers with six receptions for 137 yards and one touchdown.
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Tayven Jackson commanded Indiana’s offense for two drives, headlined by a 69-yard touchdown pass and a 13-yard rushing touchdown.
Freshman quarterback Alberto Mendoza led the offense for two drives while freshman quarterback Tyler Cherry did so for one drive.
Indiana’s defense accumulated eight tackles for loss, six sacks, one fumble recovery and two interceptions –– one a pick-six by freshman linebacker Rolijah Hardy.
The Hoosiers finished with 701 total yards, holding the Leathernecks to just 121. The cream and crimson finished with 323 rushing yards while the visitors ended up with 12.
“This was one of the most fun games I have ever been a part of,” Sarratt said. “Not just for me because I had a big game, but being able to see all my other guys go out there and be able to score. It's a great atmosphere out there, and I hope we keep that rolling.”
Now 2-0 for the first time since 2022, Indiana will head to Pasadena, California, on Sept. 14 for a matchup with UCLA at the Rose Bowl Stadium.
Follow reporters Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) and Dalton James (@DaltonMJames) and columnist Jhett Garrett (@jhettgarrett) for updates throughout the Indiana football season.
