Indiana could get a huge boost as the Hoosiers continue their improbable drive for a College Football Playoff berth this weekend.
Coach Curt Cignetti told reporters Monday the team is "optimistic" star quarterback Kurtis Rourke will be able to return Saturday at Michigan State, per Zach Osterman of the Indianapolis Star.
“Optimistic on Kurtis Rourke, he’s thrown the last few days, building up,” said Cignetti, the first FBS coach to post back-to-back 8-0 starts at different schools. “(His) workload will increase as the week goes on. That’s all I’m going to say about it.”
The Canadian has started throwing after undergoing thumb surgery last Tuesday, Cignetti said. The plan is to give him more reps as the week goes on.
The native of Oakville, Ont. was garnering long-shot Heisman Trophy buzz while leading Indiana to a 6-0 start before he was hurt at the end of the first half of the team's seventh game against Nebraska.
Tayven Jackson finished off the win against Nebraska and then did enough (124 passing yards, one touchdown, one interception) this past weekend to help Indiana beat visiting Washington, improving the Hoosiers' record to 8-0.
Indiana, ranked 13th in this week's AP poll, is one of eight unbeaten teams in the FBS ranks.
The new-look College Football Playoff will feature 12 teams.
Indiana is a seven-point favourite against Michigan State (4-4).
If the Hoosiers can beat Michigan State and then top a 5-3 Michigan team at the following week, it will set up a huge showdown at No. 4 Ohio State (6-1) on Nov. 23.
Indiana's season finale is against a lowly Purdue (1-6) squad.
Rourke transferred to Indiana from Ohio for his final college season, joining new coach Cignetti. The quarterback is ranked as the top prospect for next year's CFL Draft, though he is expected to attract NFL interest with his play this year on the Big Ten stage.
Indiana is off to its best start since 1967 and could reach 9-0 for the first time by beating the Spartans (4-4, 2-3) and claiming the Old Bass Spittoon.
Cignetti believes the Hoosiers will be in good hands — regardless of who starts behind center.
“There was good and bad,” Cignetti said when asked about Jackson. “He’s got to build on the good and eliminate the bad. He’ll have a good film session with Coach (Tino) Sunseri (Monday) evening. Like everybody else, better, worse, never stay the same — need to be better.”
-- With files from the Associated Press
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