How Hoosiers beat the Huskies 31-17

Indiana's offense felt Rourke's absence right from the start of the game.

The Hoosiers incurred a rare pre-snap procedural penalty (false start) on their first drive, which resulted in a 3rd-and-10. Rourke has thrived in those situations this season — he was 6 of 11 with four first downs — but IU was forced to punt after Justice Ellison scored on a draw for a short gain.

Jackson had a chance to extend its 7-0 lead later in the quarter, missing Elijah Sarratt on a deep throw for a potential touchdown. Sarratt beat his man right at the line of scrimmage and the safety was late, but Jackson's throw sailed past him into the end zone.

The Hoosiers had more three-and-outs in the first half (three) than in the previous two games combined (two) and did not convert on a third down attempt until there was 2:30 left in the half (0 for). 5 to start).

While Indiana closed the half on a high note with a 19-play, 62-yard drive with 7:30 left, the momentum was short-lived. Jackson threw an interception on a pass intended for Omar Cooper Jr. on the first play of the third quarter to give Washington the ball at IU's 24-yard line.