HoosierIllustrated Live Blog: FINAL – Indiana football 31, Florida International 7

After nearly 10 months of waiting, it finally time for the Curt Cignetti era of Indiana football to official kickoff with the first of the 2024 season on Saturday, August 31st. In this week one matchup, the Hoosiers will host the FIU Golden Panthers.

Indiana football overhauled its roster in 2024, as head coach Curt Cignetti brought in 54 newcomers, which includes 30 transfers. Thirteen of those transfers arrived from James Madison.

See Also: Indiana Football Game Preview: FIU – key questions, injury report, how to watch

The Hoosiers are looking to usher in a new era of the program after Tom Allen was let go at the end of the 2023 season. The Hoosiers went just 3-9 last season, missing out on a bowl game for the third straight season. The Hoosiers have won 11 straight non-conference home season openers.

The home contest marks the first of eight home games for the Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium this season, tied for its most in program history with the 2013 and 2008 season.

The game will stream live on BTN.

Below is a live blog with updated coverage throughout the game.

Pregame Notes: 

Availability Report:

First Quarter

FIU wins the toss and Indiana will be getting the ball first.

Indiana to start at the 25-yard line. Kurtis Rourke starts at quarterback like we thought.

First pass is complete to Elijah Sarratt.

Indiana football starts the season with a 3-and-Out.

FIU gets the ball on the FIU25.

Back-to-back big plays by Indiana football linebacker Aden Fisher to force a FIU 3-and-Out. Indiana football gets the ball at the IND42.

Aiden Fisher is a superstar. My goodness. #iufb

— Kyler Staley (@kylerstaley) August 31, 2024

Former Indiana star Trayce Jackson-Davis in the house at Memorial Stadium sitting right behind 2025 five-star guard Jalen Haralson, who is here on his official visit. #iubb pic.twitter.com/gy2TcGiEvt

— Kyler Staley (@kylerstaley) August 31, 2024

First touchdown of the season for the Hoosiers. Rourke with a 9 yard TD to TE Zach Horton. Indiana leads 7-0 with 9:14 left in the 1Q.

What a difference a year — and offensive minded coaches — make. What a possession.

Kurtis Rourke to Zach Horton for the first touchdown of the season. #iufb

— Alec Lasley (@allasley) August 31, 2024

The most crowded I have ever seen the Indiana football student section. Not one empty seat in there. #iufb pic.twitter.com/Nno0IOpW0v

— Kyler Staley (@kylerstaley) August 31, 2024

Indiana football forces another stop. FIU punts and the Hoosiers get the ball at the IND24.

One thing is for sure, Kurtis Rouke really likes throwing the ball to Omar Cooper Jr. Look to have a good connection early here.

Second Quarter

FIU converted on 4th down but a personal foul was called on the offense. 15 yard penalty led to the Panthers to punt the ball. Another stop for the Indiana football defense.

Indiana football with the ball on the IND7. Lot of yards for the Hoosiers to take up.

Omar Cooper Jr and Myles Price have been the most targeted WRs for Indiana football this far.

Myles Price is so shifty in space. He just consistently makes guys miss with the ball in his hands. #iufb

— Drew Rosenberg (@drew_rosenberg2) August 31, 2024

Donaven McCulley heading to the locker room. Looked a little shook up after that last catch.

Timeout Indiana with 9:25 left in the half. First timeout of the game.

Kurtis Rourke to Miles Cross on third down. That Ohio connection is clearly still strong. Great play from Rourke to escape the pocket and an incredible catch from Cross for the 1st down. #iufb

— Drew Rosenberg (@drew_rosenberg2) August 31, 2024

Really strong connection with Kurtis Rouke and TE Zach Horton. Real consistent connection between the two this game.

2-yard TD by Ty son Lawson. His second TD of the game. Indiana football leads 21-0 with 4:53 left in the half.

FIU gets on the board finally.

Hoosiers still lead 21-7 with 0:48 left in the half. #iufb

— Kyler Staley (@kylerstaley) August 31, 2024

At the half: Indiana football 21, FIU 7

Third Quarter

Indiana’s defense opens up with a stop on FIU.

Indiana football would drive down the field but would settle for a 39-yard FG from Nicolas Radicic.

Indiana leads 24-7 with 5:51 left in 3Q.

Justice Ellison is so versatile as a RB. Been fun watching him today. #iufb

— Kyler Staley (@kylerstaley) August 31, 2024

Indiana football’s defense really flys to the ball. For of ball-hawks on the that unit.

Hoosiers force a fumble but was recovered by FIU. Hoosiers get flagged for an illegal block in the back. They start on the IND20.

End 3Q: Indiana football 24, FIU 7

Fourth Quarter

FIU ball to start the final quarter.

Big interception from LB Josh Rudolph here in the 4Q. First turnover for this Indiana team this season.

Indiana up 24-7 with 6:25 left.

Hoosiers get a fourth down stop and take over at the IU 49 yard line with 5:26 remaining.

Kurtis Rourke is sacked on 4th down as FIU takes over on their own 31.

Indiana forced a stop on fourth down and take over at the FIU 39.

Indiana brings in Tayven Jackson.

Elijah Green breaks off a 51 yards touchdown run to ice the game.

Indiana leads 31-7 with 1:06 left.

FINAL: Indiana 31, Florida International 7.

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