Rourke leads Indiana to 41-24 win over Northwestern

On Saturday, October 7, 2023, in the United States, No. 23 Indiana maintained its unbeaten record with a decisive 41-24 victory over Northwestern. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke led the Hoosiers with an impressive performance, throwing for 380 yards and three touchdowns. Indiana's offense was complemented by a strong ground game, accumulating 158 rushing yards, with Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton each contributing a touchdown. Northwestern's Jack Lausch threw for 243 yards and two touchdowns but struggled against Indiana's relentless scoring. The game began with both teams exchanging early drives, but Indiana quickly took control, scoring on seven consecutive drives. Despite a strong effort from Northwestern, including a touchdown catch by Miles Cross that tied the game at 7-7, the Wildcats' defense faltered, allowing Indiana to pull ahead decisively. The Hoosiers' offensive prowess was evident as they surpassed 500 total yards without committing any turnovers. This victory marked the fifth time this season that Indiana scored over 40 points, showcasing their offensive capabilities despite having one of the lower-ranked offenses in the league prior to this game. The Hoosiers' defense faced challenges but ultimately supported their high-scoring offense. Looking ahead, Indiana will enjoy a bye week before facing Nebraska on October 19, while the outcome of this game may influence their ranking in the polls, especially after other teams faced unexpected losses.