BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Entering the non-conference game favored by over 40 points, it was no surprise that Indiana football was able to pull away their second game of the season.
The surprise from head coach Curt Cignetti’s team was the breaking of a school record that’s been held for 123 years, points scored in a single game. The previous record was set in 1901, when Indiana defeated Franklin 76-0.
Cignetti reflected on the historic outing, complimenting the team on their stellar performance.
“I was pleased that our team played with an edge and an attitude,” Cignetti said. “And at a high standard.”
Indiana looked outstanding in the first quarter, scoring touchdowns on each of their first four drives.
Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke connected with receivers Andison Coby and Elijah Sarratt for touchdowns, while also handing the ball off to running backs Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton, who both found the end zone in the quarter.
Rourke’s big quarter continued throughout his evening, finishing 15-for-17 with 268 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown.
The veteran quarterback was taken out of the game in the third quarter, allowing underclassmen quarterbacks Tayven Jackson and Alberto Mendoza to get some quality reps.
In addition to seeing Jackson and Mendoza on the field, a handful of backups for Indiana saw the field, taking full advantage of the opportunity. Cignetti enjoyed the idea of being able to let these types of players get action in the game.
“We emptied the bench pretty much and got a lot of people on the field and I was happy for them too,” Cignetti said. “A lot of young people made plays, create turnovers defensively, so it was good.”
Production on both sides of the field never slowed down for Indiana, scoring 35 points in the second half, despite clearing out most of the bench.
It was a complete opposite result this week compared to last week. While Indiana defeated FIU 31-7 last week, the team took their foot off the gas when they felt comfortable with the lead.
After the win over FIU, Cignetti discussed that this was something that the program needed to work on.
“Got to learn to play the lead,” Cignetti had emphasized. “Got to keep the edge.”
Cignetti’s message stuck in players’ heads, as the team never stopped pounding Western Illinois throughout Friday night’s game.
“It was a good night because I was pleased our team played with an edge, an attitude and a high standard,” Cignetti said after Friday’s win. “We didn’t play down (to the competition).”
Second half interceptions from Ta’Derius Collins and Rolijah Hardy in addition to four second half touchdowns were the icing on the cake in the memorable victory.
Coach Cignetti will now prepare his crew to open up conference play at UCLA next Saturday.
Cignetti feels confident in his players, ready to work with them this week before traveling to the west coast.
“You show us the schedule, I get ‘em ready to play,” he added. “Put ‘em in the best positions and develop this football team every single day, the intangibles, develop the culture, mindset, the identity and how they think.”
The undefeated Indiana football program looks to become 3-0 in Los Angeles next Saturday.
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