BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The college football season has finally arrived.

After an offseason overhauling the roster, hyping up the fans and putting all the new pieces together on the field, new head coach Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers are approaching their 2024 season opener on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET against Florida International.

With so many new players and coaches, plus a schedule that looks different than recent seasons due to Big Ten expansion, there’s plenty to discuss. Below, our writers Jack Ankony and Todd Golden answered 10 questions about the upcoming season.

What are your expectations for quarterback Kurtis Rourke?

Jack: To make an Indiana comparison, I’m expecting Rourke to be a step or two above Peyton Ramsey and similar in style. Rourke’s career 50-to-16 touchdown-to-interception ratio suggests he’ll take care of the ball, and Cignetti’s comments on Rourke’s consistency and knowledge of the game align with that. I don’t expect Rourke to be an incredible deep-ball passer or take a ton of risks down the field, but he has plenty of talented receivers who should avoid double-teams and allow Rourke to spread the ball around. He’s capable of scrambling for a first down when needed, similar to Ramsey, but is certainly more of the pocket-passer trope. A 3,000-yard passing season with a 65% completion percentage would put him top five on Indiana’s single-season charts, and he’s done that before. Expectations are high, with the main concern being health and whether the offensive line can keep him on his feet.

Todd: They’re high because so much is riding on his success and because of his track record from Ohio U. It’s not exactly rocket science to say that if the quarterback struggles, the rest of the offensive pieces Curt Cignetti added won’t have anywhere near the same impact. Cignetti and the players have spoken of Rourke’s traits as a leader, so hopefully, that comes through, too. What I worry about is injury and how many hits he can sustain. A lot of eggs are in his basket, but then, that’s just part and parcel with that position generally.

What will be the biggest area of improvement from last year?

Todd: The running game should be a lot better. The Hoosiers never really established a consistent ground attack in 2023. Adding Justice Ellison, Kaelon Black, Ty Son Lawton and Elijah Green gives Indiana four backs who are all arguably more accomplished than any one back from the 2023 contingent.

Jack: Consistent quarterback play. After flip-flopping between the inexperienced Brendan Sorsby and Tayven Jackson last season, I think fans will be relieved to have a veteran in Rourke under center. Of course, this is assuming he stays healthy. And if he does, there won’t be the week-to-week questions and concerns about who’s taking snaps and what they can do, like there’s been for much of the last three seasons.

What is Indiana’s biggest potential weakness?

Jack: The offensive line. Indiana could be starting redshirt sophomores Bray Lynch and Drew Evans at right and left guard, respectively – neither of whom have really any in-game college football experience. Maybe they end up being immediate impact linemen like Carter Smith was as a redshirt freshman last year, but I’m taking a wait-and-see approach with the offensive line after a few rough seasons for the group recently. 

Todd: I think the lines on both sides. Losing Nick Kidwell from the projected starting offensive line is a real blow because it wasn’t a collective unit that was very deep in the first place. I think the starting defensive line is adequate, but if there are injuries, Indiana is going to have problems as depth is not bountiful there. 

Which three newcomers are you expecting the most from?

Todd: Rourke, obviously, is the biggest one. Cornerback D’Angelo Ponds had a very promising freshman season at James Madison in 2023 and everyone has raved about him at camp. Defensive end Mikail Kamara should do well on his own, but also, in conjunction with rushers like Lanell Carr Jr., Jacob Mangum-Farrar and linebackers like Jailin Walker and Aiden Fisher.

Jack: Todd made good picks with Rourke, Ponds and Kamara. So for the sake of variety, I’ll go with linebacker Jailin Walker, wide receiver Elijah Sarratt and defensive tackle CJ West. Walker has been lauded for his rare speed and explosiveness, and he started on a Dukes defense that led the nation in tackles for loss and run defense. Sarratt was 11th in the FBS in receiving yards last season and gives Rourke another talented target alongside Donaven McCulley and others. West was a key addition after losing Philip Blidi, and he bulks up the line at 6-foot-2 and 317 pounds, Indiana’s biggest defensive lineman.

Where will Curt Cignetti’s influence be most felt this season?

Jack: Having a clear vision for how he wants Indiana to play. I thought it was notable in fall camp when he said, “Everything in this program has to fit and align with my philosophy.” Both coordinators and plenty of assistants came with him from James Madison to help with that. A clear plan didn’t always feel present the last few seasons as Indiana rotated quarterbacks and fired and hired new offensive and defensive coordinators. Cignetti has a blueprint that has worked in the past.

Todd: Cignetti has struck a much different tone in fall camp than he did in his brash interactions with the media and public during the offseason. He’s been all-football, all-the-time and was not really receptive when he was asked questions about some of his preseason statements or his personality.  Bottom line is that this is a confident man who has never failed to win at any previous stops. Where the rubber meets the road is how far confidence can take a team when the degree of difficulty to compete with the big boys is so high. 

Which position group gives you the most confidence?

Todd: The running backs and wide receivers are far and away the deepest groups on paper. There’s experience and proven ability in both groups. If I had to pick one? I’d say the receivers since it’s easier to distribute their talents in the framework of an offense. It will be interesting to see how Cignetti and Mike Shanahan use the running backs to maximize their effectiveness.

Jack: I’ll go with the wide receivers. Indiana added transfers Elijah Sarratt, Myles Price, Ke’Shawn Williams and Miles Cross, each of whom have over 1,000 career receiving yards. And that’s before mentioning the Hoosiers’ 2023 leading receiver McCulley and Omar Cooper Jr., who made some impressive plays last season.

Will James Madison and other Group of Five transfers be able to compete at the Big Ten level?

Jack: Indiana added 13 transfers from a James Madison team that went 11-1 in the regular season, including nine wins over bowl-eligible teams. Rourke came from an Ohio program that went 20-7 over the last few years and beat an Iowa State team last season that went 6-3 in the Big 12. So it’s not like the transfers who will play the most came from bad programs that beat up on bottom feeders – those James Madison and Ohio teams could have beaten a handful of Big Ten teams last season. I expect the Group of Five transfers to handle Indiana’s soft nonconference schedule with ease and to struggle like past Indiana teams have against Michigan and Ohio State. Indiana’s remaining opponents – UCLA, Maryland, Northwestern, Nebraska, Washington, Michigan State and Purdue – are all ranked eighth or lower in the preseason Big Ten media poll, which tabbed Indiana No. 17. The vast majority of these transfers are similar in size to their Big Ten counterparts, though it’s hard to determine until game day if they have the requisite speed. I think they’ll translate well enough to win three or four of those seven toss-up types of games in the Big Ten.

Todd: That’s an interesting question, isn’t it? It’s also a question steeped in who Indiana is playing. I think the JMU transfers will thrive against Indiana nonconference opponents and against lesser Big Ten teams. It’s not really about whether they can hang with Michigan or Ohio State, but whether they hold their own when Indiana faces mid-level Big Ten programs like Washington, Nebraska, Maryland. Or road games at Northwestern and Michigan State. Those are the kind of games that will decide Indiana’s fate. I think some positions translate better than others when moving up in class. I think ability translates from one level to the next, but things like speed or size don’t.

What’s a game Indiana can win that would be considered an upset?

Todd: When I did the Big Ten preseason poll, I picked every league game. I have Indiana winning at UCLA, as the Bruins are rebuilding and the Hoosiers will have two games under their belt as opposed to UCLA’s one contest. Indiana is hitting the sweet spot in the schedule where that discrepancy matters (it doesn’t matter as much as the season goes on). I also think Indiana can beat Washington at home. The Huskies played for the national championship last January, but have turned their roster over dramatically.

Jack: I’ll go with Nebraska. The point spread may end up being pretty narrow come the October game day in Bloomington, but Nebraska’s win total of 7.5 is notably higher than Indiana’s 5.5 entering the season. And like Indiana, Nebraska has a favorable schedule to begin the season. It may be a matchup of a couple four or five-win teams to begin the second half of the season. Nebraska is rolling with a true freshman quarterback in Dylan Raiola, which typically comes with some bumps in the road no matter what the recruiting rankings say.

What would make this a successful season?

Jack: Cignetti would probably tell you it’s more, but bowl eligibility in any manner will equal a successful first season in my book. Things like not getting completely embarrassed by Ohio State and Michigan or sustaining fan excitement throughout the season are other benchmarks to strive for that past Indiana teams haven’t met. Indiana won just three total Big Ten games over the last three seasons. If it can do that this year alone, it’ll equal bowl eligibility and be a success.

Todd: Obviously, bowl eligibility is the red line for success or failure. I’m sure Cignetti doesn’t want Indiana’s goals to be limited to that, but you have to walk before you can run. What I’d like to see beyond that is a winning Big Ten season. I’m not predicting it, but I think it’s achievable given Indiana’s schedule.

What will Indiana’s regular season record be?

Todd: I’m going to stick with 7-5. I think Indiana sweeps its nonconference slate (it better) and then beats UCLA, Washington, Maryland and Purdue in Big Ten play. I didn’t predict wins at Northwestern and Michigan State, but those are certainly winnable games. So is the Nebraska home game, but I think even if you chalk up some of those as wins, there might be games I have chalked up as wins that may not be, so 7-5 is what I think is realistic.

Jack: I’m also going with 7-5. The nonconference schedule should be a breeze, then I’ll predict Indiana goes 4-1 in Big Ten home games with wins over Maryland, Nebraska, Washington and Purdue. Even if the Hoosiers drop one of those games, it’s possible they stay on pace for seven wins with a road win over UCLA, Northwestern or Michigan State. 

School accountability, teacher salary boosts and “academic freedom” are priorities on Jennifer McCormick’s education plan, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate announced on Thursday.

The former state public instruction superintendent, along with running mate Terry Goodin, said their platform largely intends to create more flexibility for K-12 administrators and educators to craft curriculum, while still ensuring academic rigor and accountability across both public and private schools.

The plan also guarantees that teachers would be paid at least $60,000 per year — an increase from the current $40,000 minimum.

“Obviously, education is my passion. It is also Terry’s passion. We believe in the power of education — not just for our kids — but for our families and our communities and the entire state. It’s also what empowers us as a nation,” McCormick said during a Thursday press call. “Too often in Indiana, we talk about the expense, because we are incredibly expensive, but we don’t talk about it as an investment, and it needs to be. … It’s not a K-12 isolation, it is a system of education.”

The costs of the proposal are unknown at this time.

Democrats outline education priorities

The McCormick-Goodin “Commonsense Education Plan” is broken down into five pillars: increased funding for early education; school accountability; teachers’ pay and bargaining rights; keeping partisan politics out of school curriculum decisions; and “re-establishing” a statewide emphasis on attaining post-high school education.

Specifically, the Democratic plan would expand “quality and affordable childcare to address Indiana’s childcare deserts.” The platform also seeks to guarantee universal pre-kindergarten education for all Hoosier families.

Although McCormick said the state is doing “a much better job” at expanding child care now than in years past, she emphasized that “we still have an enormous amount of Indiana” that does not have access to quality care.

“And with some of that childcare, too, we’re really struggling to find providers because of (low) wages,” she added.

The platform also promises to “protect the rights of students and parents” by establishing a “streamlined,” “consistent” and “transparent” accountability platform for all schools accepting public dollars. McCormick said the system seeks to ensure schools — public, private, urban, rural and so on — are all being held to the same academic and fiscal standards. 

This would impact private schools receiving voucher dollars that currently don’t have to follow some of the same rules and regulations.

“We’re a school choice state, and there are no quality guardrails on that system,” she said. “And so in order to really do it in a way that makes sense and is fair to kids and families and our business industry — that’s relying on us getting this right — and taxpayers, there should be some accountability.”

“If we’re going to be a state of school choice, it needs to be parent choice and not school choice,” McCormick continued. “It also needs to be one that those quality guardrails are tight so parents at least know there’s some threshold that when you come into a school, that you do have some educated and trained teachers. What kind of curriculum you are following? What kind of fiscal responsibility are we following?”

McCormick and Goodin said they’ll also “champion” Indiana’s K-12 and post-high school instructors “by implementing policies to recruit and retain the best and brightest educators.” That means fighting for a minimum base salary of $60,000 for Hoosier teachers, and adjustments for veteran teachers’ salaries “to reflect their non-educator peers.”

When it comes to finding the funding for increased salaries, McCormick said “there are a lot of areas” in the state budget that “we just need to re-look at again.”

“It’s about prioritizing,” she said, noting that her property tax relief plan, for example, “really offers some relief” and “tries to relieve some of the local dollars, which would also help with some of the expenses at the school level.”

The Democratic duo further promised to uphold teacher rights by “protecting the freedom of teacher unions to bargain for wages and benefits.” Mandates placed on educators and school boards will be reviewed, too — and where unnecessary or burdensome — those will be eliminated, McCormick said. 

The plan additionally calls for “autonomy at the local level” to design a unique curriculum “that prepares students for the future they choose.” The Democratic nominee said that doesn’t mean lowering standards, though. Rather, it’s guarantee of “more flexibility.” 

“Why should we have to go to the State Board of Education to beg them to address the needs of our kids?” McCormick asked. “We can still hold everyone accountable for certain thresholds and certain standards of performance, but allowing them to take care of the needs of their schools with the resources they are provided — given where they are located within the state of Indiana, and the partners they have access to and don’t have access to — only make sense. For too long, Indiana has said one size fits all.”

And when it comes to higher education, McCormick and Goodin said they intend to “celebrate, champion, protect, and better fund our higher education institutions and direct workforce development training programs.” That means ensuring resources are place for high schoolers to earn certifications they can use upon graduation, McCormick noted, in addition to maintaining and promoting clear paths towards college.

No specific GOP plan yet

McCormick was endorsed by the political action committee for the Indiana State Teachers Association — the state’s largest teachers union — earlier this year. 

A former Republican, McCormick fell out of favor with the Indiana GOP while serving as state superintendent. 

The Republican-controlled legislature — with approval from Gov. Eric Holcomb — eliminated the elected position and replaced it with a Secretary of Education, who is appointed by the governor. 

McCormick switched sides to become a Democrat shortly after. She announced her campaign for governor in May 2023 and was the only gubernatorial candidate on the Democratic primary ballot in May.

Goodin, a former Indiana lawmaker and social conservative, was previously a teacher, assistant principal and public school superintendent at Crothersville Community Schools.

“I think, unfortunately, the other team, they look at education as a liability. But our team, the Democratic team, looks at it as an investment,” Goodin said Thursday. “We look at the state budget … over 50% of that budget goes to education. We’re looking at that as an investment that will make Indiana better going forward and into the future. And the folks on the other side say that it’s a waste of money, and that’s been proven in the policies that they’ve been trying to push for the last, three, four, five 10, years. ”

McCormick’s competitor, Republican Sen. Mike Braun, has yet to release a detailed education platform. 

Braun’s campaign website emphasizes that while more than half of the state budget is spent on K-12 education, “far too many of our graduates are not prepared to enter the workforce or pursue a degree.”

The Republican candidate — a former school board member — “knows parents are the primary stakeholders in their children’s education and every family, regardless of income or zip code, should be able to enroll in a school of their choice and pursue a curriculum that prepares them for a career, college or the military,” Braun’s website continues.

Recently, he has additionally supported the state education department’s proposed overhaul of Indiana’s high school diplomas and graduation requirements, saying Hoosier education focuses too little on career readiness.

Libertarian Donald Rainwater is also running for governor.

He said he is troubled by McCormick’s focus on “expanding government control over our children and their educational opportunities. Rainwater supports expanding educational opportunities, including school choice.

“Let’s break down barriers, empower parents, and create a vibrant educational landscape,” he said. “By trusting families and respecting their choices, we build a stronger Indiana—one where every child’s potential is unlocked.”

Purdue vs. Indiana State, from a matchup perspective.

Date/Time: Saturday, August 31, Noon E.T.

Location: Ross-Ade Stadium

Surface: Bermuda Grass

Capacity: 61,411 (tickets)

2024 schedules/2023 records: Purdue 4-8 (3-6 Big Ten), Indiana State 1-10 (1-7 Missouri Valley)

Series notes: Saturday will mark the seventh meeting between the in-state programs, as Purdue holds a 6-0 advantage. Though the series began in 1926, the previous five meetings all came between 1990 and 2022. 20-14 Purdue wins in 1990 and 2013 stand as the only two competitive matchups in the series, with decisive Boilermaker victories coming in the remainder of the battles. Most recently, Purdue dominated the Sycamores in a 56-0 blowout in 2022. The Boilermakers have never lost to an FCS opponent.

TV: BTN (PxP Pat Boylan, Analyst J Leman, Sidelines Jordan Robinson)

Radio: Purdue Sports Properties (PxP Tim Newton, Analyst Mark Herrmann, Sidelines Kelly Kitchel)

Line: Purdue -32.5, O/U 48.5

Purdue Roster | Purdue Game Notes

Indiana State Roster | Indiana State Game Notes

Pregame: First Look: Indiana State, First and 10: Indiana State, Dodgeball? Escape rooms? For Purdue’s Ryan Walters, it was all about fostering team unity, The 3-2-1: True freshman starters, Saturday’s stakes, Purdue roster churn and more, Gold and Black Radio: Purdue hopes for fast start against ISU, In the huddle: Offensive lineman Marcus Mbow, Purdue Opponent View: Indiana State,

Indiana State running game versus Purdue against the run

Justin Dinka and Plez Lawrence formed a one-two punch in the backfield in Terre Haute last season. The duo combined for over 100 yards per game on the ground. While Dinka departed, Lawrence returns as the projected leading rusher in an offense that likes to run the ball. Despite a 1-10 record and trailing for most snaps, the Sycamores ran the ball 389 times to just 266 pass attempts last season.

Projected starting quarterback Elijah Owens did demonstrate the ability to run with the ball. While he only played in four games, he ripped off a 20-yard run and kept the ball 18 times. As a whole, though, the Sycamores did not run the ball well in 2023. Indiana State averaged just 3.4 yards per carry and scored less than 14 points per game.

Purdue sat in the middle of the pack in 2023, allowing 140 rushing yards per game. The Boilermakers bid farewell to two key cogs of the run defense in Isaiah Nichols and Malik Langham, but the linebacker play should remain solid. Kydran Jenkins’ move to inside ‘backer should allow him to rack up tackles. Yanni Karlaftis will join him, but he’ll miss the first half on Saturday due to a targeting penalty in the second half of the 2023 season finale.

The question for Purdue? The interior of the defensive line. Purdue likes the nose tackle combination of Cole Brevard and Mo Omonode, but it needs the rest of the front to step up if it wants to stop the run with strength. Can Jeffrey M’ba step up in his second year as a Boilermaker? How about Jamarius Dinkins? Joe Anderson? Time will tell, but the Sycamores should make a nice opponent to rotate liberally against.

Indiana State passing game versus Purdue against the pass

Owens saw action in four games as a true freshman with mixed results. A former all-state quarterback from downstate Illinois, Owens completed a hare under 50% of his passes last season. He threw for 310 yards with two touchdowns to three interceptions. Indiana State hopes for a sizable leap from freshman to sophomore year, as it desperately needs better quarterback play. In 2023, the team only threw for 143 yards per game, completed just 53% of passes and threw twice as many interceptions (14) as touchdowns (seven).

Indiana State said goodbye to its top two receivers from 2023. Kevin Barnett leads all returnees, but he caught just 15 passes for 167 yards a season ago. It’s a new-look receiving corps in Terre Haute, as transfers from Rutgers and Eastern Illinois will factor into the equation. Again, new could mean improved, as minimal production returns from last season’s crew that struggled to put points on the board.

Ryan Walters’ defense heavily emphasizes getting after the quarterback and playing suffocating man coverage. While the Boilermakers generated an intense pass rush, they still finished last in the conference in passing defense. Opponents threw for 241 yards per game through the air on the Boilermakers last season as the secondary struggled mightily.

While All-American safety Dillon Thieneman returns, Purdue will expect substantial improvement from both returnees and newcomers. Projected top cornerback Nyland Green will miss this game, so expect Markevious Brown, Botros Alisandro and Kyndrich Breedlove to line up across from Sycamore receivers. With Jenkins’ move to inside linebacker and Nic Scourton’s transfer to Texas A&M, the pass rush will look to prove itself. Will Heldt returns after a promising freshman campaign. Past him? Transfers Shitta Sillah, CJ Madden, Jireh Ojata and Trey Smith will compete for reps.

Purdue running game versus Indiana State against the run

Purdue put together its best run game in years last season, averaging 168 yards per game. While Tyrone Tracy exhausted his eligibility, Devin Mockobee returns for his third season as a starter. Now a seasoned vet, Mockobee should clear the 2,000-yard mark for his career this fall. With a big year, he could enter the top five in career rushing as a Boilermaker.

Illinois transfer Reggie Love III will replace Tracy. He played in 31 games in Champaign, totaling 1,053 yards on the ground and six touchdowns. With over 200 carries under his belt, Love is as experienced as it gets for a second running back. No questions linger about the top two tailbacks, but beyond them, questions remain unanswered. True freshman Jaheim Merriweather is the only other scholarship running back. If he’s not ready to go, Purdue will turn to a walk-on. Elijah Jackson? Addai Lewellen? Time will tell.

The run game should benefit from an improved offensive line. A rotating cast in 2023, the line never meshed together and formed a cohesive unit. With key transfer additions to bolster the group, the running backs could find more room to work with. Another benefit? Hudson Card may need to improvise less. The Boilermakers can ill-afford to lose No. 1.

Opponents averaged four-and-a-half yards per carry when running against the Sycamores in 2023. When it mattered most, they found the end zone 19 times on the ground. Indiana State will look to cut down on the 155 yards per game it surrendered to opposing rushers, but it will struggle against an overwhelming size difference this weekend.

Purdue passing game versus Indiana State against the pass

Card’s first season as a Boilermaker came with highs and lows. He excelled in home victories against Illinois, Minnesota and Indiana, but injuries led to volatility throughout the year. Now healthy with another year of experience under his belt, the time is now for Card to break through. The bolstered offensive line corps should help him stay upright and give him more time to find his receivers downfield.

He’ll look for a mostly new cast of characters this season. Max Klare leads all returning pass-catchers and missed all of October and November. Jahmal Edrine projects as the alpha wideout after missing 2023 with an injury. Transfers CJ Smith, DeNylon Morrissette, Kam Brown and JUCO find Leland Smith will help him out. Jayden Dixon-Veal, Jaron Tibbs and Andrew Sowinski will also see snaps with continuity in the system. Expect the Boilermakers to put lots of different wideouts on the field on Saturday to create separation on the depth chart.

Opponents easily moved the ball on the Sycamore pass defense last year, hitting 67% of their passes for 222 yards per game. Only five passes resulted in interceptions, as opponents averaged over seven-and-a-half yards per attempt. Veteran safety Maddix Blackwell picked off a pair of passes last season, while Garret Ollendieck racked up seven-and-a-half sacks. The pass rush worked well last season, but it’ll need a huge day to slow down a Big Ten opponent.

Special teams

The game’s third unit gave Purdue fits last season. After kickers made just eight of 17 field goal attempts, true freshman Spencer Porath could line up for field goals. If not, Ben Freehill hopes to build off a strong ending in 2023 after returning from injury. New punter Keelan Crimmins arrives with expectations to establish more consistency in the punting game, which has eluded Purdue in recent years.

While the return game did provide a touchdown for the first time in a decade, Purdue will replace the returner who did it (Tracy). An interesting wrinkle? All signs point to Thieneman returning punts. Can he provide a spark and house a punt? The last Boilermaker to do so was Aaron Valentin in 2009.

Former UConn transfer Jake Andjelic made all eight of his field goal tries a season ago, and he returns to handle the duties this fall. Australian import Harry Traum shared punting responsibilities last year, but the path is clear for him to do the job outright. The Sycamores lost their primary returner of both kickoffs and punts from a year ago and hope to light a spark when the opportunity presents itself.

Intangibles

A 4-8 record in year one left a sour taste in the Boilermakers’ mouths. Some positives emerged, such as keeping both rivalry trophies, but the year didn’t go as hoped. Purdue added 37 new players in an attempt to improve the talent level on the roster. We may or may not receive answers against an overmatched opponent, but Purdue will be eager to show its growth.

One new storyline to monitor in college football this season: in-helmet communication. Like the NFL, college football will now allow coaches to communicate with a radio in a quarterback and defensive player’s helmet before the play. The communication will stop when 15 seconds remain on the play clock, but it replaces the complex signaling systems from the sideline to the playing field. How much of a difference does this make?

No doubt, the Sycamores will enter this one fired up. After all, it’s the only game against an FBS opponent on the schedule this season, and it’s an in-state one, too. Once toe meets leather, though, can Indiana State hold up against a superior opponent? The Sycamores have won just three games in the last two seasons. When these two programs met last, Purdue thoroughly dominated in a 56-0 victory, out-gaining Indiana State by 376 yards.