‘He’s a low blood pressure guy’: Kurtis Rourke’s ability to stay even tempered makes him the perfect quarterback for Indiana Football

When Kurtis Rourke suffered a thumb injury that forced him to miss the second half against Nebraska, Indiana football and its miraculous season looked to be in peril.

While most of the credit for the program’s turnaround has deservedly gone to Curt Cignetti, Rourke has played a massive role in leading the nation’s second-highest scoring offense.

In eight games as a Hoosier, Rourke has completed 73.3% of his passes for 2,204 passing yards and 19 touchdowns while throwing just three interceptions.

So when it was announced he would miss at least the game against Washington and potentially more, it was a massive blow for Indiana football.

The Monday following the injury, Rourke underwent a procedure on his thumb with the hope he would just miss one game.

“When they were in there and did the procedure on the thumb, once they were in there, it looked better than the MRI showed it might be,” Cignetti said during his weekly radio show.

“So everybody was very optimistic coming out that after a week off, he could make it to the next game. He was better every day leading up to the Michigan State game in practice than the day before. And he’s had a sharp week of practice this week, too.”

The Indiana football offense struggled to pass the football without Rourke throwing a season-low 124 passing yards against Washington

Oct 26, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) runs the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Washington Huskies at Memorial Stadium. © Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

By the following Saturday, Rourke was throwing and preparing to return the following week, when Indiana football would face Michigan State.

In his return, Rourke did what he has done all season long. He dominated.

After Indiana football found themselves trailing 10-0, Rourke turned it on. He went on to complete 19 of 29 attempts for 263 passing yards and four touchdowns.

“He’s a low blood pressure guy, and if something bad happens, he’s already focused on the next one, which is what you’re looking for,” Cignetti said about Rourke.

Cool. Calm. Collected.

That’s who Kurtis Rourke is, and his play style is indicative of that.

Rourke is not going to wow you with his speed or athleticism; instead, he is going to precisely pick apart your defense, swiftly reading the coverage, and delivering an accurate strike to his open receiver.

“He’s very poised, he’s played a lot of quarterback, has a good quarterback IQ, throws a very catchable ball, makes good decisions,” Cignetti said.

Rourke has not made many mistakes this season, but when he has, he’s bounced back nearly every time.

When Indiana football has needed a big drive, Rourke has consistently delivered.

Against Maryland, after a few early turnovers, Rourke bounced back to throw three touchdowns and 359 yards in less than ideal weather conditions.

His ability to stay even-tempered has made him the perfect quarterback for Cignetti and the Hoosiers.

Rourke has been a driving force for Indiana football all season long, and they’ll need him to continue his stellar play as they head into the final stretch of the season.

SEE ALSO: ‘All you can do is turn on the tv and be impressed’: IU football heads into final stretch of season — the ‘Triangle of Triumph’

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