Indiana University’s football team remained undefeated Saturday, trouncing Nebraska 56-7 at sold out Memorial Stadium on Homecoming.
IU improved to 7-0, its best record since 1967. It was tied for the Hoosiers’ largest margin of victory ever in a Big Ten game. IU defeated Minnesota 49-0 in 1945.
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The Hoosiers haven’t trailed in a game at any point this season. IU didn’t punt against Nebraska until 6:25 remained in the game.
Seven different players scored touchdowns for the 16th-ranked Hoosiers. Running back Justice Ellison had two touchdowns.
“It was pretty much a statement game,” Ellison said.
Said IU coach Curt Cignetti: “I think this says a lot about our team. I know there was a national perception that Nebraska had a pretty legit defense on a national scale. So that will open their eyes, OK?”
Starting quarterback Kurtis Rourke didn’t play in the second half after injuring the thumb on his throwing hand. Backup Tayven Jackson threw two touchdown passes in the second half.
Cignetti said Rourke hurt his thumb while throwing and his hand hit a player’s helmet. He said the “nail kind of came off. We’ll know more tomorrow.” But the coach added that he’s optimistic.
The resounding victory culminated a weekend of celebration on campus, including the unveiling of a statue honoring Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Mellencamp, Hoosier Hysteria for men’s and women’s basketball, and Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff show broadcasting from the South Lawn of Memorial Stadium.
Mellencamp made an appearance on Big Noon Kickoff, which attracted a huge crowd of chanting fans, many carrying signs celebrating Cignetti and insulting Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola.
Multiple concession stands at IU concession stands have run out of beer. This is the best problem that I have never seen in my 30 years of being an IU football fan. — Tricia Whitaker (@TriciaWhitaker) October 19, 2024
IU’s next game is noon Saturday against Washington at Memorial Stadium.
