Indiana Football Game Preview: Washington – key question, injury report, how to watch

It’s another huge weekend in Bloomington, Indiana, as #13 Indiana football looks to add another win to its perfect 7-0 record, hosting the Washington Huskies.

Washington holds a 4-3 record on the season, holding a 2-2 record in conference play. Despite four wins on the year, the team is yet to pick up a victory on the road, falling to 0-2 in away games.

ESPN’s College GameDay will be in Bloomington on Saturday, hosting it’s iconic pregame show. Kick off is set for 12:00 PM ET on Big Ten Network. 

Below is the full preview ahead of Saturday’s matchup.

Watch: Indiana football head coach Curt Cignetti previews matchup vs. Washington

Key Question

Will Tayven Jackson be able to fill Kurtis Rourke’s shoes?

Indiana football starting quarterback Kurtis Rourke is likely to be sidelined on Saturday after suffering a thumb injury last week against Nebraska.

Rourke has quickly become the face of the Indiana football program, passing for 1,941 yards, 15 touchdowns and just three interceptions. The Heisman Trophy candidate underwent thumb surgery on his right thumb on Monday.

Tayven Jackson stepped in for Rourke mid game on Saturday, completing seven of eight passing attempts for 91 yards and two touchdowns.

The sophomore quarterback threw for 914 passing yards and two touchdowns last season, splitting time at quarterback with Brendan Sorsby. 

Jackson looked like a new quarterback in Indiana’s 56-7 victory over Nebraska, showing comfortability with pass catchers, ultimately adding to the lead for Indiana. 

Related: Indiana football to be without quarterback Kurtis Rourke for ‘indefinite period of time’ following thumb injury

Matchup History

Indiana will host Washington on Saturday afternoon at noon ET at Memorial Stadium (52,626) on BTN and will host ESPN’s College GameDay pregame show. It will be the first time that Indiana has had the show for its full Saturday treatment.

Indiana leads the all-time series 2-1, winning one game in Bloomington and one in Seattle. Washington won the last matchup, defeating the Hoosiers, 38-13, in Seattle, on September 6, 2003. 

The matchup with Washington will be the first since 2003 and the first time in Bloomington since 1978. It will also be the first time that the two programs will play each other as conference foes.

More: ‘Paying dividends for them’: Washington head coach Jedd Fisch preaches culture shift that changed Indiana football

Injury Updates

Kurtis Rourke (QB) – Thumb injury sustained against Nebraska. Underwent surgery on thumb on Monday. Not expected to play on Saturday. 

Read: Indiana Football QB Kurtis Rourke underwent surgery for thumb injury but is expected to return soon

Quick Hitters

Who? #13 Indiana (7-0) (4-0 B1G) vs Washington (4-3) (2-2 B1G)

When? Saturday, Oct. 26 | Noon ET

Where?: Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, Ind.)

TV: Big Ten Network

Radio: Indiana Hoosiers Sports Network

Spread: Indiana is a 6.5-point favorite and the over/under is set at 53.5 points per DraftKings SportsBook.

SEE ALSO: Another week. Another dominant win. And Indiana football is ‘not surprised at all’ regardless of the national perspective or any doubters that remain

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