BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – In a dominant display of offensive firepower, Kurtis Rourke tied a school record with six touchdown passes, leading No. 10 Indiana to a crushing 66-0 win over rival Purdue. The Hoosiers (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten) secured their 11th win of the season, marking a historic achievement while reclaiming the coveted Old Oaken Bucket.
Rourke’s Stellar Performance Powers Indiana’s Blowout Win
Rourke, who completed 23 of 31 passes for 349 yards, threw two of his record-tying six touchdowns to standout wide receiver Elijah Sarratt, who finished with 165 receiving yards. Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton each added rushing touchdowns to the scorecard, while Ke’Shawn Williams caught a 14-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter to push the lead to 28-0. The Hoosiers outgained Purdue by a staggering 582-67 margin in total yards, dominating both sides of the ball.
Rourke’s six touchdown passes placed him in elite company, becoming just the third Indiana player to achieve the feat in a single game. His connection with Sarratt was a major highlight, as the duo combined for two touchdowns, including an 84-yard bomb that left Purdue’s defense in the dust.
Purdue’s Miserable Season Ends with a Historic Loss
For Purdue (1-11, 0-9 Big Ten), the defeat was another bitter reminder of a nightmarish season. The Boilermakers finished the year with just one win and were outscored 66-0 in their most lopsided loss in the 125-year history of the rivalry. The previous worst loss for Purdue was 52-7 in 1988, but this year’s defeat surpassed even that.
Purdue’s struggles were compounded by the weather, with snowy conditions forcing field crew members to clear the hash marks and yard lines during the first half. The Boilermakers’ offense was stagnant, with quarterback Hudson Card completing just six of 13 passes for 35 yards and an interception. Purdue’s lone touchdown threat was quickly shut down by Indiana’s defense, which showed no mercy.
Big Ten Championship Dreams Dashed, But Playoff Hope Remains
Despite the resounding victory, Indiana’s hopes of competing in the Big Ten Championship were dashed earlier in the day when No. 4 Penn State defeated Maryland 44-7, preventing the Hoosiers from securing a spot in the conference title game. However, Indiana’s impressive performance, capped by the commanding win over Purdue, leaves the team with a strong chance of making the College Football Playoff (CFP).
As the Hoosiers await their CFP fate, head coach Tom Allen and his team are hopeful that their performance throughout the season, especially their domination in the final game, will be enough to secure a spot in the four-team playoff. With a potential playoff berth on the line, the Hoosiers will keep an eye on the selection committee’s rankings and could even host a CFP game in Bloomington.
A Rivalry Win for the Ages
The victory over Purdue not only secured Indiana’s place in the history books but also handed the Hoosiers their first Old Oaken Bucket victory since 2019. It was the perfect way to cap a remarkable regular season and show the nation that the Hoosiers are a force to be reckoned with in college football.
Takeaways: Purdue Faces Uncertain Future
For Purdue, the season’s disappointing conclusion raises several questions about the future of the program. With an abysmal 1-11 record, including zero conference wins, coach Ryan Walters faces a challenging offseason as he works to turn things around. Purdue’s offense was ineffective throughout the game, and questions about the team’s direction will likely be a major topic of discussion heading into the winter.
Indiana Looks to the CFP
As the Hoosiers now shift their focus to the College Football Playoff selection process, all eyes will be on the rankings. Indiana’s dominant win over Purdue could push them up in the rankings, though the team’s playoff fate will ultimately rest in the hands of the committee. Whether Indiana is selected to play in the four-team playoff or secures a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl, the Hoosiers’ historic season is one for the record books.
Looking ahead, Indiana will eagerly await its next opponent and potential opportunity to host a playoff game in Bloomington, making this a season to remember for Hoosiers fans everywhere.
Key Stats:
- Kurtis Rourke: 23-31, 349 yards, 6 TDs
- Elijah Sarratt: 8 receptions, 165 yards, 2 TDs
- Justice Ellison: 2-yard rushing touchdown
- Ty Son Lawton: 4-yard rushing touchdown
- Total Yards: Indiana 582, Purdue 67
Next Up:
- Purdue: Winter workouts and spring practice
- Indiana: Awaiting College Football Playoff fate
For more updates on college football and to stay informed on playoff rankings, visit the AP College Football Hub.
