Bloomington, IN – The Indiana Hoosiers Football team kicked off the 2024 season with an emphatic 31-7 victory over Florida International University (FIU) on August 31st at Memorial Stadium. With the win, Indiana Football extends its unbeaten record against FIU to 4-0 and continues its tradition of strong season openers, now boasting a 26-3 record in season-opening non-conference home games since 1953.
The Hoosiers came out of the gates firing on all cylinders, jumping to a 21-0 lead early in the game, showcasing dominance in all three phases—offense, defense, and special teams. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke, making his first start for Indiana Hoosiers Football, displayed poise and efficiency, completing 15 of 24 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown. His performance was complemented by a robust running game that churned out 234 rushing yards, the most for Indiana since a 257-yard effort against Michigan State in 2022.
Offensive Execution
Indiana Football’s offense was led by a strong ground attack, with Elijah Green and Ty Son Lawton leading the charge. Green electrified the crowd with a 51-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, capping off a stellar performance with 82 yards on just five carries. Lawton, who made an impact throughout the game, added two rushing touchdowns and 74 yards on 16 carries, solidifying his role as a key contributor in the Hoosiers’ backfield.
Tight end Zach Horton opened the scoring for the Hoosiers, hauling in a 9-yard touchdown pass from Rourke in the first quarter. Wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. was the top target in the passing game, accumulating 45 yards on three receptions, including a 26-yard catch that set up one of Indiana’s scoring drives.
Defensive Dominance
The Hoosiers’ defense was equally impressive, holding FIU to just 53 rushing yards and 129 passing yards. Linebacker Aiden Fisher was a standout, recording 12 tackles and a sack in his Indiana debut. The defense racked up four sacks in total, including a solo sack by Andrew Turvy, who also made his first career tackle in the fourth quarter.
Indiana’s defense also forced turnovers, with sophomore defensive back Amare Ferrell notching his first career interception in the fourth quarter, returning it 20 yards to set up another scoring opportunity. The defensive front consistently disrupted FIU’s offensive rhythm, with eight tackles for loss, led by Marcus Burris Jr. and Tyrique Tucker.
Coach Curt Cignetti’s First Win
The victory marked a successful debut for new head coach Curt Cignetti, who became the 16th coach in Indiana Football history to win his first game. Cignetti praised his team’s fast start but acknowledged that there is room for improvement, particularly in maintaining focus throughout the game. “We jumped up 21-nothing, and then from the middle of the second quarter to halftime, it was really sloppy ball on both sides. But credit to our defense for shutting them out in the second half,” Cignetti said postgame.
Looking Ahead
Indiana Hoosiers Football will look to build on this strong performance as they continue their non-conference schedule. The team’s next challenge will come at home against Western Illinois. It’s a Friday night game with a kick off time of 7 PM on September 6th.
With a balanced attack and a stifling defense, Indiana Football has set the tone for what promises to be an exciting 2024 season. Fans can look forward to more thrilling action as the Hoosiers continue their quest for success under Coach Cignetti’s leadership.
Stay tuned to Southern Indiana Sports Network for continued coverage of Indiana Hoosiers Football throughout the season, including exclusive photos from the FIU game.
Indiana Hoosiers Football Boxscore
Photos from the Game: IU vs FUI 2024
