Eric Boggs 
Indiana defeated Michigan to stay undefeated and move to 10-0 for the first time in school history.
In a record-breaking showdown, Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke’s two first-half touchdown passes helped the No. 8 Hoosiers edge out a gritty 20-15 victory over Michigan, marking a historic achievement for Indiana. The Hoosiers (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten) not only earned their first 10-win season but also managed to defeat Michigan — the winningest program in college football — for just the second time since 1988.
Rourke, who completed 17 of 28 passes for 206 yards, connected with Omar Cooper Jr. on a 7-yard touchdown late in the first quarter. Early in the second, he added a 36-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt, pushing Indiana’s lead to 14-3. A 40-yard field goal before halftime extended the advantage to 17-3. Although the Wolverines (5-5, 3-4 Big Ten) narrowed the deficit with a series of field goals, Indiana’s defense held firm when it mattered most.
Michigan’s offense continued to struggle, with quarterback Davis Warren throwing for just 137 yards, while the Wolverines were limited to only 69 rushing yards — a result of Indiana’s formidable defense, which had just held Michigan State to minus-36 rushing yards the week before. The Wolverines did manage a late 1-yard touchdown run by Kalel Mullings, but a failed 2-point conversion and a turnover on downs in the game’s final minutes sealed their fate.
The Hoosiers’ defensive stand was crucial, especially in the second half as Michigan clamped down on Indiana’s offense, holding them to just 10 total yards and one field goal. Aiden Fisher’s pivotal tackle on Michigan’s Peyton O’Leary, inches short of a first down, ended the Wolverines’ final drive and secured the win. Indiana’s defense also consistently disrupted Michigan’s backup quarterback Alex Oriji, who entered for several snaps but was unable to spark the offense.
Indiana faced its own set of challenges, dealing with multiple injuries throughout the game. The offensive line struggled without starting left guard Drew Evans, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury earlier in the week. Backup lineman Tyler Stephens faced a tough Michigan defensive front, which pressured Rourke throughout the second half, leading to four sacks and eight tackles for loss. Starting wide receiver Myles Price and running back Justice Ellison also sustained injuries, impacting Indiana’s depth and offensive rhythm.
Despite these setbacks, Indiana’s resilient defense held strong, capping off a remarkable season. Indiana now stands on the verge of a playoff berth, with only two games left in their regular season campaign.
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