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Indiana football vs Washington preview in Big Ten action

Published

1 year ago

October 25, 2024

Indiana football vs Washington preview in Big Ten action

BLOOMINGTON — The real Hoosier Hysteria is happening at Memorial Stadium this weekend.

Indiana football will welcome ESPN’s College GameDay to campus and have another sold out crowd on hand for its game against Washington.

The No. 13 Hoosiers (7-0; 4-0 Big Ten) have a chance to match the program’s best ever start as one of just nine unbeaten teams left in the country.

Jump into our weekly preview, The Runout, for what stood out during the week, players to watch, a prediction and more:

Indiana football vs. Washington: Tale of the tape

When: Saturday, Oct. 26 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Where: Memorial Stadium (52,626), Bloomington, Indiana
TV: Big Ten Network
Line: Indiana -6.5
Series: Indiana leads 2-1
Last meeting: Washington def. Indiana, 38-13, on Sept. 6, 2003

More: Indiana football: How QB Tayven Jackson compares to other Big Ten backups

Indiana football players to watch vs Washington

Tayven Jackson, QB: Who else?

Jackson steps into the starting lineup while Kurtis Rourke recovers from a thumb injury he suffered against Nebraska. The redshirt-sophomore looked sharp in his most extended action of the season in the second half as he closed out a 56-7 win over the Cornhuskers.

It was still a limited sample size — he only dropped back to pass nine times — and he benefited from coming into the game with a 28-7 lead.

Jackson’s goal against Washington will be to avoid the type of uneven performance that cost him the starting job last year. He’s still known for bouts of inconsistency in practice as Cignetti has noted on multiple occasions.

One way Jackson can do that is by taking a page from Rourke and avoiding negative plays. In seven starts, Rourke was only sacked six times on 202 drop backs and turned it over four times (three interceptions).

The good news for Jackson is that Cignetti has upgraded just about every facet of the offense from last season. The Hoosiers have a much improved run game — they averaged 6.5 yards per carry last week against one of the best run defenses in the country — and their offensive play-calling has been tremendous.

Justice Ellison, RB: That aforementioned rushing attack will be as important as ever on Saturday.

Ellison had his fifth ever 100-yard game (second for IU) last week despite only carrying the ball nine times, but it was his early success — he had a 43-yard gain and a touchdown on the opening drive — that set the tone in the win.

The Cornhuskers hadn’t allowed a rushing touchdown all season before the Wake Forest transfer punched it in from the 5-yard line.

Washington comes to Bloomington having struggled against the run this season. In the team’s three losses, the Huskies have given up 540 yards (5.4 yards per carry) and six touchdowns. They have allowed only 3.4 yards per carry and one rushing touchdown in four wins.

That stark difference lays out a clear path to victory for the Hoosiers.

Terry Jones Jr., S: The change Indiana made in the starting secondary was a notable one since the team had kept the same starting lineup on both sides of the ball through the first six games.

Amare Ferrell shifted over to strong safety in place of Josh Sanguinetti and Jones took over Ferrell’s spot at rover. It was the Old Dominion transfer’s first start for the Hoosiers, but he didn’t play like someone who sat on the bench for a half the season.

Jones had six tackles (four solo) with four quarterback pressures. He allowed a two-yard game the only time he was targeted.

“He’s done a nice job on special teams,” Cignetti said. “Got an opportunity on Saturday. An aggressive player. Played a lot of football. Had over a hundred tackles at ODU last season.”

Washington starting quarterback Will Rogers will be a big test for the group. Rogers is one of the highest graded quarterbacks in the country (96.3) on throws of 20-yards or more, according to Pro Football Focus. He is 12 of 23 at that passing depth with 399 yards and six touchdowns.

Mind Your Banners: Rourke out, Jackson in for GameDay visit from Washington

Indiana football: Week 8 Odds and Ends

NSYNC: Indiana’s offensive line bullied Nebraska’s talented front seven. They only allowed two tackles for loss on 33 rush attempts and one sack. “I’m not surprised by what they did on Saturday,” Cignetti said. “Not at all.” The starting line has played every snap together outside of mop up time and that’s made a real difference, according to Cignetti. “They’re on the same page,” he said. “They function really well together.”

Stress relief: Washington coach Jedd Fisch said a benefit of IU outscoring opponents 80-0 in the first quarter is that they haven’t faced any of the “play caller anxiety” that pops up when a coach sees a deficit on the scoreboard. Fisch said the Hoosiers playing out front all season — they are only one of two teams in the country that haven’t trailed yet — has allowed them to settle into an impressive offensive rhythm.

Frequent fliers: Big Ten teams have struggled on cross-country road trips. Indiana is one of the few teams that avoided a let down after traveling multiple time zones when it visited UCLA earlier this season. Through the first seven weeks of the season, the visiting team was 2-11 in those conference games. Washington will face the added challenge of a noon kickoff (9:00 a.m. local time). The Huskies faced the same scenario in a 40-16 loss to Iowa.

More: Indiana football’s new-look starting secondary helps defense reach new heights

Indiana football stat of the week

245: Per ESPN’s Max Olson, Indiana has the largest margin of victory through seven games since 2020. The number ranks ahead of the last three national champions — 2023 Michigan (229), 2022 Georgia (228) and 2021 Georgia (223). Indiana has the top ranked scoring offense in the country (48.7 points) and seventh ranked scoring defense (13.7 points allowed).

More: ‘We riding with him’: Indiana football QB Tayven Jackson has backing of his teammates

Indiana football quote of the week

“We have 100% confidence and the team has 100% confidence, I have confidence, the staff has confidence in Tayven Jackson,” Indiana coach Curt Cignetti

More: After spending lives in football, Sunseri brothers finally share a field for IU-Washington

Prediction: Indiana 28, Washington 20

Washington is capable of spoiling IU’s undefeated season if it can get past the reoccurring red zone woes that have plagued its offense this season. The Huskies have outgained every single one of their opponents — they have a top 25 offense that’s averaging more than 450 yards per game — but just haven’t been able to put enough points on the board.

They also have a quarterback in Will Rogers that’s more experienced (47 career starts) than anyone the Hoosiers will face all season.

Why still give Indiana the edge? Cignetti has earned the benefit of the doubt even with a backup quarterback in the starting lineup. He’s coached this team into a playoff contender and has passed every test thrown his way.

Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on X @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here.

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Report: Arizona football to hire Washington’s Aaron Knotts as general manager

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Press Room

Report: Arizona football to hire Washington’s Aaron Knotts as general manager

Arizona is closing in on its next general manager.

The UA is set to hire Aaron Knotts as GM, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Knotts has spent the last 12 years at Washington, where he most recently served as Director of Internal Operations and Football Strategy. Knotts previously worked as Chief of Staff and Associate Athletic Director at UW.

As general manager, Knotts will be tasked with managing Arizona’s roster through player retention, the transfer portal and high school recruiting.

Arizona’s front office is undergoing a shakeup after former GM Gaizka Crowley left for the same position at Arkansas. Crowley and Director of Scouting Fletcher Kelly played a big role in building Arizona’s roster in the first two years under Brent Brennan. Kelly is expected to follow Crowley to Arkansas, according to Jason Scheer of Wildcat Authority.

Knotts began his coaching career as a tight ends coach at Division III Centre College (Ky.) before joining Chris Petersen’s staff at UW in the fall of 2014. Prior to working in operations and administration, Knotts served in various recruiting and personnel roles at UW.

Knotts was promoted to Associate Athletic Director/Chief of Staff in 2024. In his role as Associate Athletic Director, Knotts part of a three-person search committee for UW’s head football coach in 2024, which resulted in the Huskies hiring Jedd Fisch from Arizona.

Now Knotts in departing Fisch’s UW program to run Arizona’s front office.

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Washington Capitals 2025-26 W Magazine Now Available | Washington Capitals

Published

2 days ago

December 18, 2025

Press Room

Washington Capitals 2025-26 W Magazine Now Available | Washington Capitals

Arlington, Va. – W Magazine, a lifestyle publication produced by the Washington Capitals, is now available for purchase online at www.washcaps.com/wmagazine and at the Team Store at Capital One Arena and at the Team Store at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. The fan-favorite magazine, which features content surrounding every Capitals player along with hundreds of personal, never-before-seen family photos, is available for $8 plus shipping. In addition, season ticket members will receive a complimentary issue, with copies for season ticket members available at the Planholder Hub on the 100-level concourse during Capitals home games.

The cover story, written by Capitals senior writer Mike Vogel, goes in-depth with forward Pierre-Luc Dubois. Vogel speaks with Dubois, his teammates and family members for an extensive feature on the phone call that changed Dubois’ life and shaped his future with the Capitals franchise. Spanning more than 200 pages, W offers exclusive photography of Capitals players and their families, along with lifestyle content and interviews with every member of the 2025-26 roster. Highlights include:

John Carlson on fishing in Maryland with his sons
Brandon Duhaime on spearfishing and his related YouTube channel
Ryan Leonard on moving to D.C. and living with the Dubois family
Charlie Lindgren on his first offseason as a dad
Alex Ovechkin on celebrating back home after becoming the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer
Logan Thompson on his love of dogs
Trevor van Riemsdyk on pop-a-shot and pickleball

The magazine also features an in-depth look at the Capital One Arena transformation project, including exclusive photos, insights into future phases and Capitals player reactions to the new Capitals locker room complex. A special interview with Monumental Sports Network’s Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin reflects on the historic 50th anniversary season, while a day-in-the-life piece with Caps Radio’s John Walton and Katie Florio brings readers behind-the-scenes of a home game radio broadcast.

Additional features include a look at a regular day for former Capitals service dog in training Biscuit – now a facility dog at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center – and a photographic recap of Alex Ovechkin’s historic 2024-25 season. A new “Beyond the Boards” section spotlights community stories, while the fan-favorite “Short Shifts” section returns with Capitals players sharing thoughts on topics such as the best singer on the team, funniest teammate, personal goals beyond hockey, what everyone should try at least once, their ideal entrance theme song and more.

The magazine also profiles members of the Capitals Black Hockey Committee and introduces fans to the team driving the organization’s youth hockey initiatives.

W design services were provided by Matt Ryan. Player photography was provided by Greg Powers with assistance from Damon Banks. The cover featuring Pierre-Luc Dubois was photographed on the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., with the assistance of captains and crew from City Cruises. Players were photographed for the publication at Origin in Arlington, Va.

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Ginger’s Journey: Walking from Washington State to Washington, D.C.

Published

2 days ago

December 17, 2025

Press Room

Ginger’s Journey: Walking from Washington State to Washington, D.C.

Imagine setting out, on foot, for a journey not knowing how long it would take. Now imagine doing it with two animals as traveling partners from Washington State to Washington, D.C.

“Now I’ve started this leg of the journey in Morton, Washington where I was spiritually requested to go to Washington, D.C. and sing the song ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon on the Capitol steps,” says Jacob Holiday.

Jacob Holiday is on his way across America so he can sing a song he says signifies peace in the hopes, he says, of ending violence everywhere.

“I want so much peace. Cops would no longer carry firearms. We’re going to send the militaries of every country, I don’t care which one you’re talking about but every country, home to go to sleep. I don’t care what they do. But I want all this violence, everything, all this violence to stop.”

He has two wagons and his traveling companions are a dog and a goat. Holiday started in Washington State in July and he’s not worried about how long his hike across America will take.

His multi-state trek has seen him encounter a lot along the way, including a run-in with a bear.

He carries food for himself and his dog and his goat on carts that he says weigh a couple hundred pounds. Besides necessities, Holiday has one thing he’d greatly appreciate receive being able to buy as he continues his mission.

Holiday says he knows his mission isn’t an easy one, and he uses it as a metaphor for life as a whole.

We caught up with Holiday in the early part of November on a 70-degree day in Cambridge, Nebraska then spoke to him again a few days later in the rain as he headed east on Highways 6 and 34, so no telling how far he’s gotten now.

After we met with Holiday, we did notify the local sheriff to perform a welfare check, but we’re told Holiday wanted to continue his walk with his Capitol Steps goal still ahead of him. We also offered him food for himself and his animals, which he declined saying he had enough food on his carts.

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