The Indiana football team concluded their historic 2024 season in dominant fashion. Another chapter of the Old Oaken Bucket Game between Indiana and Purdue took place on Saturday as the Hoosiers looked for their first win since the 2019 season.
Memorial Stadium was packed for the season finale as Indiana was set to play in their coldest environment all year long. Snow glistened on the turf of the stadium as temperatures dipped to the low 20s to set the scene.
Indiana did more than just win; they dismantled their competition taking down the Boilermakers 66-0 en route to completing their regular season with an 11-1 record.
The 11th victory would be the most ever in a single season in Indiana Football. After years of mediocrity and even lower points, the vibes surrounding this team and town are at an all time high.
Outside of the opening possession where Indiana was forced to punt, the offense was able to roll down the field in a variety of manners. The stellar running back duo of Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton continued to be one of the best 1-2 punches in the conference as Ellison scored the first of nine touchdowns on the evening.
The duo combined for over 100 yards on the ground and two scores, while averaging nearly five yards per carry throughout the game. In total the ground game for Indiana steamrolled Purdue rushing for 233 yards and a third score late in the game by backup quarterback Tayven Jackson.
The biggest standout offensively came from starting quarterback Kurtis Rourke, however. Rourke had his best game repping the cream and crimson, tying a single game record six touchdown passes for 349 yards on a scorching hot 74% completion rate. Five different receivers found pay dirt as the end zone looked always open for Rourke.
On the note of always open, Elijah Sarratt, or his self deemed nickname ‘Waffle House’, had a career night. Sarratt set an Old Oaken Bucket Game receiving yards record with 165 on his eight catches while adding two scores in the process.
When the regular season first started, the only believers in moments like this were within the team. Flash forward to now, the city of Bloomington has rallied behind the Hoosiers who now await their positioning in the College Football Playoffs.
While Purdue may be dominating the all time series in the Old Oaken Bucket game, Indiana has now made a statement not just to their arch rival, but really to the College Football World as a whole.
Indiana not being in postseason contention would now be considered highway robbery after an 11-1 season, considering the Big Ten has plenty of love at the top of the CFP rankings. Whether they are hosting or traveling, there is a confidence within and through this team that is ready for the bright lights.Even if Indiana is unable to pull off a victory in the playoffs, the success of the regular season has been enough to capture the hearts of Bloomington, and put Indiana Football in a spot of contention for years to come.