Curt Cignetti said Monday quarterback Kurtis Rourke’s workload would continue to increase this week as Indiana progresses towards a Saturday game at Michigan State.
The latest report surrounding Rourke’s readiness for that game suggests he’s passing the tests as he takes on more reps.
Brandon Marcello of CBS Sports/247Sports reported on X Wednesday evening Rourke will start vs. the Spartans barring any setbacks.
“Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke is on track to start Saturday at Michigan State as of Wednesday evening, a source tells CBS Sports/247Sports,” Marcello wrote.
Rourke had two screws placed in his injured thumb during surgery last week and started throwing on Friday.
Cignetti said on Monday he was optimistic on the outlook for his Heisman Trophy contender as it relates to playing on Saturday.
Rourke injured his right thumb in the first half of Indiana’s win over Nebraska. The precise nature of the injury has not been revealed, although Cignetti suggested the thumb nail was at least part of the issue.
Rourke has completed 135 of 181 passes for 1,941 yards this year. He has 15 touchdowns and three interceptions. He has IU in the mix for both the Big Ten Championship Game and the College Football Playoff.
Tayven Jackson has played the last three halves for the Hoosiers at quarterback, and they have outscored their competition 59-17 during that span. Jackson is 18-of-27 passing for 215 yards with 3 touchdowns and an interception during the last six quarters. He’s added eight carries for 38 yards and a score.
No. 13 Indiana (8-0) will face Michigan State (4-4) at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday in East Lansing, Mich. (Peacock).
With a 9-0 start, IU would achieve their best start in program history, and match their highest win total.
For complete coverage of IU football, GO HERE.
The Daily Hoosier –“Where Indiana fans assemble when they’re not at Assembly”
- You can follow us on Twitter: @daily_hoosier
- Find us on Facebook and Instagram
- Seven ways to support completely free IU coverage at no cost to you.
