Indiana football continues offense tear, never slowing down in blowout win to round out non-conference play

Following a huge road conference win at the Rose Bowl versus UCLA, Indiana football was back at home for their final non-conference game of the season against Charlotte.

Indiana football head coach Curt Cignetti led his team to a 3-0 record going into Saturday’s game, outscoring opponents 150-23.

Indiana entered the game rolling, scoring a touchdown on the first drive. Ty Son Lawton, who had previously scored three touchdowns at home this season, found the end zone on his second carry of the game, taking the ball to the left for an eight yard score.

Lawton continued to flex his muscles, scoring his second touchdown of the afternoon on Indiana’s first drive of the third quarter. 

The James Madison University transfer has quickly emerged as one of the biggest red zone threats in the FBS.

It didn’t take long for Indiana to score again after Lawton’s first touchdown, going all the way on their first drive of the second quarter. This time around it was Justice Ellison, taking a two yard rush up and in. 

Ellison’s touchdown was his fourth of the season, all of which have come in the last three games. The Wake Forest transfer has been a crucial piece of Indiana’s offense, splitting carries back and forth with Lawton.

All season long, Indiana has powered through opponent defenses because of the team’s depth at running back.

Coach Cignetti commented on the effectiveness of the program’s running back room.

“It all starts up front with the o-line and tight ends but we have a lot of quality running backs too. I think the fact that were balanced, we can run and throw equally well, helps the running game and the passing game.”

The next offensive drive, the ball was rushed again for a touchdown. It wasn’t a running back this time. It was quarterback Kurtis Rourke scrambling up the middle for a 12 yard gain and a score. 

Rourke showed off his mobility in several instances in the dismantling of Charlotte. The senior quarterback has a proven track record of rushing the ball, rushing for 795 yards and 11 touchdowns in his last three seasons at Ohio.

Rourke spoke on the reasoning for running out the pocket throughout the game.

“I feel like I needed to run an escape a couple times. Certainly need to work on some of the aspects but I’m glad I can do it when I need to.”

Aside from Rourke’s running ability, he continues to make his receivers standout, passing for 258 yards on the day, throwing to a variety of players. Specifically, Ke’Shawn Williams continued to ball out, scoring his third touchdown in the last two weeks.

Williams has quickly built a strong link with Rourke. The fifth year senior transfer from Wake Forest has already tied his career high in touchdowns, three, which was set in 2021.

Indiana wide receiver and punt returner Myles Price praised Williams for his recent growth on the field.

“Ball player honestly, that’s the best way I can put it,” Price said of Williams. “He’s a ball player. With every opportunity he gets, he’s capitalizing on it.”

Rourke departed the game during the end of the third quarter, being replaced by backup quarterback Tayven Jackson.

With a different quarterback on the field, production didn’t slow down, as Indiana continued to rip apart Charlotte. 

Indiana added seven points in the fourth quarter from an Elijah Green 13 yard rush to the left. Green has now reached the end zone in each of Indiana’s games this season, totalling four scores. 

With Indiana heading into week five having an undefeated record and keeping their heads held high, there’s no doubt coach Cignetti will continue to push his players off the field, demanding more.

Rourke credited difficult preparation as the reason for the team’s offensive surge.

“Just continue to stick to what we do in our training,” Rourke said. “We work really hard. Everyday we come in ready to work. When adversity comes, we’re going to have to be able to stay strong and just continue on.”

Indiana’s 202 points through the first four games are the most in any four-game stretch in program history. The Hoosiers are the first FBS team to eclipse the 200-point mark this season.

Indiana football has now scored 50+ points in multiple games in the same season for just the seventh time in program history.

“Our ability to move the ball down the field,” Price said of what stands out about Indiana’s offense. “I don’t want to say it’s been easy, but it has almost felt easy to move the ball down the field, and I’m really happy about that. Everybody is doing their job.”

With the physical and mental work off the field, there’s no doubt Rourke and his beyond talented offense will continue to dominate on the field.

Indiana football will host their first conference game of the season next Saturday at noon, taking on the three and one Maryland Terrapins.

SEE ALSO: HoosierIllustrated Postgame Wrap-Up — Kyler and John discuss Indiana football win over Charlotte

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