Indiana beats Maryland 42-28 to reach 5-0 for first time since 1967
- Kurtis Rourke led Indiana with 359 passing yards and three touchdowns, overcoming two first-half interceptions.
- The Indiana defense was strong in the second half, allowing only one touchdown and forcing Maryland to struggle offensively.
- This victory marks a historic 5-0 start for Indiana, raising hopes for bowl eligibility and showcasing the team's potential under coach Curt Cignetti.
In a significant victory, the Indiana Hoosiers football team achieved a 42-28 win over the Maryland Terrapins on a rainy day in Bloomington, marking their first 5-0 start since 1967. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke played a pivotal role, throwing for 359 yards and three touchdowns, despite facing two interceptions in the first half. The Indiana defense was instrumental, allowing only one touchdown in the final 22 minutes of the game, showcasing their resilience despite committing four turnovers. The game saw Indiana take control late in the third quarter after Justice Ellison's 19-yard touchdown run, which gave them a brief lead. Rourke then connected with Elijah Sarratt for a touchdown, followed by another touchdown pass to Donaven McCulley, solidifying their lead. The Terrapins struggled to respond, managing only a late touchdown pass from quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa to running back Roman Hemby. Injuries plagued Maryland, with their top two receivers, Tai Felton and Kaden Prather, leaving the game, raising concerns about their future performance. Indiana's victory not only highlights their impressive start to the season but also positions them closer to bowl eligibility for the first time since 2020. Head coach Curt Cignetti emphasized that the team has room for improvement, indicating that their aspirations extend beyond just winning games. The Hoosiers are now focused on maintaining their momentum as they prepare for their upcoming bye week.