Indiana has climbed all the way to No. 13 in the AP Top 25 Poll, and Bloomington is currently the center of the college football world. The Hoosiers are going for eight straight wins on Saturday, but they will have to do so without quarterback Kurtis Rourke.
In last week’s blowout win over Nebraska, Rourke suffered a thumb injury that required surgery, and he is expected to miss at least Saturday’s game against Washington. Rourke has played brilliantly for the Hoosiers, and he will be hard to replace. Luckily for Indiana’s offense, Tayven Jackson played very well in relief of Rourke, completing seven of eight passes for 91 yards and two touchdowns against the Huskers.
Indiana’s defense also deserves a lot of credit for forcing five Nebraska turnovers, including three interceptions of Dylan Raiola. If the Hoosiers keep getting turnovers like that, Rourke’s absence will be easier to swallow.
Washington already has one notable Big Ten win under its belt, beating Michigan in Seattle a few weeks ago, but the team has struggled on the road. The Huskies have dropped their only two road games of the season, both long road trips in conference play. Two weeks ago, Washington went to Iowa City and suffered an embarrassing 40-16 loss against Iowa.
In that game, the Hawkeyes threw for just 108 yards, but they steamrolled the Huskies on the ground for 220 yards. That’s an ominous sign considering Indiana just put up 215 rushing yards against Nebraska.
Where to watch Indiana vs. Washington
- When: Saturday, Oct. 26 at noon ET
- Where: Memorial Stadium — Bloomington, Indiana
- TV: Big Ten Network
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
Indiana vs. Washington spread, odds
Even without Rourke behind center, Indiana is a clear 6.5-point favorite against Washington, according to the SportsLine consensus. The over/under in this one is 53.5 points.
Indiana vs. Washington series history
Indiana has won two of the three all-time matchups between these teams.
- Sept. 6, 2003 — Washington 38, Indiana 13
- Sept. 23, 1978 — Indiana 14, Washington 7
- Sept. 25, 1976 — Indiana 20, Washington 13
Read the full article here