Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke returns from a thumb injury on Saturday and will start vs. Michigan State, coach Curt Cignetti announced on his radio program on Thursday evening.

Rourke injured his right thumb during a 56-7 win over Nebraska on Oct. 19. He had surgery on October 21 and sat out last weekend’s 31-17 win over Washington.

Indiana had expected Rourke to return this week. Cignetti said Monday he was “optimistic.” Rourke could play this week and that he had started throwing in practice.

Rourke has completed 74.6% of his passes for 1,941 yards and 15 touchdowns this season, with just three interceptions.

The 13th-ranked Hoosiers were able to reach 9-0 for the first time by defeating the Spartans (4-4, 2-3) and claiming the Old Brass Spittoon.