Snow flurries fell, white towels waved and No. 10 Indiana football (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten) reclaimed the Old Oaken Bucket for the first time since 2019, cruising to a 66-0 victory over archrival Purdue (1-11, 0-8 Big Ten) on Saturday night at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington.
On senior day, Indiana sixth-year senior quarterback Kurtis Rourke starred, completing 23-of-31 passes for 349 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions. Junior receiver Elijah Sarratt set season highs with eight receptions for 165 yards and a pair of scores. Defensively, senior linebacker Jailin Walker recorded four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, an interception and a forced fumble.
The Hoosiers’ victory is their largest over Purdue in program history, while their <> points is the most they’ve ever scored against the Boilermakers.
After a punt on their opening series, the Hoosiers opened the scoring on the following possession. Fifth-year senior running back Justice Ellison took a direct snap, made one cut and rushed two yards for a touchdown, capping a nine-play, 86-yard drive.
Indiana’s defense responded by intercepting Purdue fifth-year senior quarterback Hudson Card, giving the Hoosiers’ offense the ball just outside the redzone. Indiana, however, failed to capitalize, as redshirt freshman kicker Nicolas Radicic hooked a 46-yard field goal — his first miss this season.
Holding a 7-0 lead entering the second quarter, the Hoosiers added to their advantage with 11:31 remaining before halftime, as Rourke hit fifth-year senior wideout Ke’Shawn Williams over the middle for a 14-yard touchdown.
Indiana’s lead reached 21-0 as Rourke hit Sarratt for an 84-yard score, the fifth-longest pass play in program history. Under duress, Rourke rolled to his left and found Sarratt, who broke free from his defender and won a race to the goal line.
The Hoosiers didn’t stop. After forcing a three-and-out, Indiana marched 70 yards on just seven plays. Seventh-year senior running back Ty Son Lawton scored a four-yard rushing touchdown, extending the Hoosiers’ lead to 28-0.
The margin remained at 28 points entering halftime. Indiana outgained Purdue 334 to 54 in total yards, and the Hoosiers had more touchdowns (four) than the Boilermakers recorded first downs (three).
Still, Indiana’s foot never left the gas pedal. The Hoosiers scored 17 points in the third quarter, capitalizing on a pair of touchdown passes from Rourke to Sarratt and senior tight end Zach Horton.
Indiana added 21 more points to its tally in the fourth quarter, ultimately giving Purdue its largest loss in program history.
Now, the Hoosiers await their College Football Playoff fate — with the final bracket announcement set for Dec. 8.
Follow reporters Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) and Dalton James (@DaltonMJames) and columnist Jhett Garrett (@jhettgarrett) for updates throughout the Indiana football season.
