Hoosiers Now

WATCH: Rourke Evades Pass Rush, Cross Makes Leaping Catch in Traffic

The Ohio transfers connected in an impressive manner to convert 3rd and 21.

Jack Ankony

Indiana's Miles Cross (12) pictured during spring practice.
Indiana's Miles Cross (12) pictured during spring practice. / Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK
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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Kurtis Rourke and Miles Cross are used to playing together at Ohio, and maybe that history helped them make an incredible play during Indiana's 2024 season opener against Florida International.

Facing a daunting 3rd and 21 situation, Rourke felt pressure from the FIU pass rush, but he ducked to avoid the defender and find open space. Nearing the line of scrimmage, Rourke threw on the move into heavy traffic.

Despite several defenders in the area, Cross leapt to make a miraculous contested catch that gave Indiana a first down. And a few plays later, running back Ty Son Lawton capped off the 16-play, 93-yard drive with a 2-yard rushing touchdown, which put the Hoosiers ahead, 21-0.

Cross' catch earned the No. 3 ranking on SportsCenter's Top 10 Plays.

Related stories on Indiana football

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  • AVAILABILITY REPORT: Indiana listed seven players OUT for its 2024 season opener against FIU. CLICK HERE
  • PREDICTION, 3 KEYS: Hoosiers will need to protect Kurtis Rourke above all other considerations. CLICK HERE
  • HOW TO WATCH: Indiana football begins its first season under coach Curt Cignetti on Saturday against the Florida International Panthers at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind. Here’s how to watch, game time and TV information, the point spread and over/under, series history and more. CLICK HERE
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Jack Ankony
JACK ANKONY

Jack Ankony is a Sports Illustrated/FanNation writer for HoosiersNow.com. He graduated from Indiana University's Media School with a degree in journalism. Follow on Twitter @ankony_jack.

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