Indiana 42 UCLA 13 — Three reasons why the Hoosiers won | Highlights

PASADENA, Calif. — Indiana defeated UCLA at Rose Bowl Stadium on Saturday evening by a final score of 42-13.

Here’s three quick reasons why IU opened Big Ten play with a convincing road win.

The Hoosiers (3-0, 1-0) will host Charlotte next Saturday in Bloomington.

1. A quick start. Indiana scored a touchdown on their first drive, and then recovered a UCLA fumble on the Bruins’ first play from scrimmage. With a short field, the Hoosiers scored again quickly, claiming a 14-0 lead with 7:28 left in the first quarter. From there UCLA was on their heels, and Indiana had responses each time the Bruins threatened.

2. Rourke is masterful. In his first Big Ten contest, IU quarterback Kurtis Rourke was superb. The redshirt senior transfer from Ohio University completed 25-of-33 passes for 307 yards and 4 TDs. He found a total of six receivers with at least three receptions. His former Ohio teammate Miles Cross led the way with 6 receptions for 90 yards. With good protection, Rourke was never sacked.

3. Defense solid once again. There were lapses, with penalties and another poor end of first half drive, but Indiana’s defense was plenty good enough on the road. They allowed just 238 total yards, 3.7 yards per rush, and UCLA went just 2-of-8 on third down. Aiden Fisher led the way with 9 tackles. Amare Ferrell had an interception and a sack. IU has only allowed a total of 23 points through three games.

HIGHLIGHTS