BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — In his first start of the season, quarterback Tayven Jackson delivered an impressive performance, throwing for one touchdown and rushing for another, leading 13th-ranked Indiana to a 31-17 victory over Washington on Saturday.
With this win, the Hoosiers improved to 8-0 overall and 5-0 in the Big Ten, matching the best start in the school’s history, originally set by the 1967 Rose Bowl team.
Having stepped in for the injured Kurtis Rourke, who was sidelined due to a right thumb injury, Jackson completed 11 of 19 passes for 124 yards, including one touchdown pass and an interception. He also showcased his athleticism with a 2-yard touchdown run that extended the Hoosiers’ lead to 31-14 with just under nine minutes to play. Running back Justice Ellison also contributed significantly, amassing a season-high 123 yards on 29 carries, along with a touchdown of his own.
On the other side, the Huskies, now 4-4 and 2-3 in their conference, struggled with consistency, having lost three of their last four games. Quarterback Will Rogers had a solid day statistically, finishing 19 of 26 for 202 yards, but was hindered by two interceptions. Running back Jonah Coleman tallied 104 yards on 19 carries, scoring one touchdown.
Unlike their usual high-scoring efficiency, the Hoosiers’ defense played a pivotal role in this matchup, setting the tone from the beginning. D’Angelo Ponds intercepted Rogers on the Huskies’ sixth throw of the game and returned it 65 yards for an opening touchdown. Just a few drives later, Ponds snagged another interception near midfield, setting up Jackson’s 42-yard touchdown connection with Omar Cooper Jr.
Washington did respond with a 6-yard touchdown run from Giles Jackson, but Indiana capped off the half with a 19-yard field goal to lead 17-7 at the break.
The key takeaways from this encounter highlight Washington’s defensive efforts, which were overshadowed by their offense’s struggles. Coach Jedd Fisch will need to find a way to get both offense and defense functioning cohesively for future success. Conversely, for Indiana, the absence of Rourke presented a significant challenge, yet they managed to affirm their standing in the league thanks to their effective ground game and opportunistic defense.
The outcome of this game could have implications for both teams in the polls. Indiana will be watching closely to see if any higher-ranked teams falter, keeping their hopes alive for a spot in the top 10 after securing their eighth consecutive victory by at least 10 points.
Looking ahead, Washington will host fellow Big Ten newcomer Southern California next Saturday, while Indiana prepares for a road matchup against Michigan State, vying for the Old Brass Spittoon.