Rourke’s return should pose a challenge for Michigan’s defense

The Michigan State Spartans are nervous as they welcome the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers to Spartan Stadium this afternoon.

After a tough loss, the Spartans must face one of the best teams in the country, led by first-year coach Curt Cignetti.

Cignetti turned a historically bad Indiana program into a College Football Playoff contender. The Hoosiers have an explosive offense and a solid defense, so it’s easy to see why they are undefeated.

Michigan State will be one of the tougher teams Indiana will face, but the Spartans need to play a clean game to pull off an upset.

What could make this more difficult is the return of Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke. The transfer from Ohio missed last week’s Indiana-Washington game with a thumb injury on his throwing hand.

Could this injury limit Rourke? What does he bring to the Hoosiers offense?

Indiana still beat the Huskies without Rourke, but it was clear the passing attack wasn’t the same with Tayven Jackson playing quarterback. Rourke, a native of Ontario, Canada, nicknamed “The Maple Bullet,” landed on the NFL Draft radar thanks to his excellent throwing ability.

Rourke completed nearly 75 percent of his passes for 15 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He doesn’t have elite athleticism, but he is an excellent processor and great arm talent.

Rourke’s presence changes the dynamic of Indiana’s offense. He made great contact with Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr., two of Indiana’s best weapons. If Michigan’s pass rush doesn’t connect, Rourke sits in the pocket and picks apart the defense.

Jackson is a good quarterback, but Cignetti identified Rourke as his starter. Rourke is one of the most effective players in the country and led the Hoosiers to a resurgent year. His arm talent should cause problems for defensive coordinator Joe Rossi’s defense.

To defeat Rourke, Michigan’s defenders must be smart. He is a good decision-maker, but under pressure he can be prone to making mistakes. He will let throws flow to him, which could be Malik Spencer or Nikai Martinez territory.

Michigan’s passing rush needs to have an impact on Rourke if the Spartans want to have a chance in this game. Rourke won’t be running a lot, so keeping him comfortable in the pocket is key.

Rourke’s return improves Indiana’s offense and reduces Michigan’s chances of beating the Hoosiers. If they don’t get the after RourkeThe Old Oak Bucket will return to Bloomington.

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