Indiana Football breaks multiple records as they decimate Western Illinois to improve to 2-0

Indiana football handled business on Friday night as they broke multiple program records during their 77-3 victory over Western Illinois as they improved to 2-0.

The Hoosiers set the record for most points in a game in program history with 77 and the record for most total yards in a game in program history with 701. The previous record for most points in a game (76) was set in 1901. 

The Hoosiers came into the game massive favorite over the FCS school seeking its first victory since 2021, and they had no problems with the Leathernecks.

Indiana jumped out to a 28-0 lead after the first quarter behind a strong showing from quarterback Kurtis Rourke. Rourke was pulled in the third quarter after going 15-17 for 268 yards and threw two passing touchdowns while adding a score with his feet.

After not taking many deep shots in week one, Rourke made multiple big-time throws including a 38-yard touchdown pass to Andison Coby on the first drive of the game.

Rourke found success throwing to wide receiver Elijah Sarratt. He finished the game with six receptions for 137 yards including a 71-yard touchdown reception.

Rourke also found an early connection with Miles Price who caught four passes for 38 yards.

Tayven Jackson came in for Rourke in the third quarter and didn’t miss a beat. Jackson went 3-3 for 104 passing yards and a touchdown. Jackson also rushed for 19 yards and a touchdown.

Omar Cooper also shined for Indiana football as he finished the game with four catches for 131 yards and a touchdown. Cooper reeled in a 69-yard touchdown pass from Jackson in the second half during the victory.

Indiana’s quarterbacks combined to go 19-21 for 378 yards and three touchdowns.

The run game was dominant once again for Indiana football as they totaled 323 rushing yards on 6.9 yards per carry. Six different Hoosiers were able to find the end zone on the ground.

Justice Ellison made the most of his opportunities finishing with 117 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries.

Ty Son Lawton only had six rushes but turned them into 42 yards and a touchdown.

Elijah Green also had 5 carries for 31 yards and also scored a touchdown for Indiana Football.

Indiana football scored 42 points before Western Illinois gained a first down in the game. The Leathernecks did not gain a first down until after the two-minute warning in the first half.

It was a quiet day for the special teams unit as Indiana football did not punt once in the win.

Indiana gained 415 total yards in the first half compared to Western Illinois’ 98 total first-half yards to help them jump out to a 42-3 halftime lead.

While the Hoosiers finished the game with 701 total yards, they only allowed 121 yards including just 23 yards in the second half on the other side of the football.

The defensive line dominated once again for Indiana football led by  Mikail Kamara who caused havoc. Kamara had two sacks and two tackles for loss. Tyrique Tucker also had a 1.5 sacks for the Hoosiers. The defense totaled 6 sacks and 8 tackles for loss in the win.

After stifling the run in week one, Indiana football repeated that dominance. They allowed just 12 rushing yards on 26 attempts.

Ta’Derius Collins forced the first turnover of the game for the Hoosiers when he intercepted Nathan Lamb in the fourth quarter.

Freshman Rolijah Hardy proceeded to intercept the next pass attempt from Lamb and returned it for a touchdown. On the very next drive, Hardy proceeded to sack Lamb and force a fumble which was recovered by Robby Harrison to set up another touchdown.

Aiden Fisher led Indiana football in tackles for the second week in a row with nine.

Western Illinois caused no issues for Indiana football as they built off of their week one victory over Florida International.

The Hoosiers head out west next week to the Rose Bowl where they will take on UCLA in their first real test of the 2024 season. 

SEE ALSO: Mike Woodson and the Indiana basketball staff are making a noticeable presence on the recruiting trail — and they had to

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