What Indiana coach Tom Allen had to say at his weekly press conference
Indiana nearly continued its dream start as the Hoosiers went toe-to-toe with Big Ten favorite Ohio State on Saturday.
Unfortunately for Tom Allen’s squad the upset bid came up just short as Indiana fell in a wild, 42-35 game. Now, the Hoosiers attempt to move on from that big-time game and get set to host Maryland, a team that has struggled to get on the field due to COVID-19 and missed each of the past two weeks.
Despite the Terps’ uncertainty, Allen still had plenty to say during his normal Monday press conference.
Looking back at the loss, Allen definitely had some critiques of his team’s performance.
IU coach Tom Allen starting his Monday Zoom conference:
"Very disappointed in the close loss, didn't play four quarters of our best football. Can't do that against a team of Ohio State's caliber."
Adds, obviously, that he's proud of the fight of his squad. #iufb
— Jon Blau (@Jon_Blau) November 23, 2020
Tom Allen says he's looking into the slow starts, saying the offense needs more "drive starters" and the defense needs more "drive stoppers."
Says it's walkthroughs, preperation. They are looking into a lot of things. #iufb
— Jon Blau (@Jon_Blau) November 23, 2020
Tom Allen says the Hoosiers missed eight sack opportunities vs. Justin Fields on Saturday.
"Just mind-blowing." #iufb
— Jon Blau (@Jon_Blau) November 23, 2020
Allen said defense got takeaways but offense has to capitalize on those.
"We have to take advantage of that. They scored 14 points on theirs." #iufb— PaulGable (@PaulEGable) November 23, 2020
Allen says team has to start faster on offense.
"Go back and look at every walk through, reps, practice reps… lot of it goes back to running the football, which was a major issue Saturday."#iufb— PaulGable (@PaulEGable) November 23, 2020
Despite the loss, Indiana still received praise for pushing the Buckeyes, including from one famous NBA player.
Tom Allen, asked by @rickbozich about whether the Hoosiers are building a "brand" with all the praise they received (including LeBron).
Allen says "We're building a program."
"What people saw, they saw toughness, they saw resiliency, they saw grit, they saw character." #iufb
— Jon Blau (@Jon_Blau) November 23, 2020
This program is expected to play Maryland on Saturday, but that game continues to be up in the air.
IU football coach Tom Allen said early expectations are that Hoosiers are expecting to play Maryland this week. Terps have had last two games cancelled due COVID-19 outbreak within the team #iufb
— KevinBrockwayCNHIIndiana (@KevinBrockwayG1) November 23, 2020
Allen talks about Maryland offense and qb: He's really good, tape doesn't lie. Dual guy, very athletic. Excellent qb. Every year I've been here their skill talent is elite #iufb
— PaulGable (@PaulEGable) November 23, 2020
Allen asked positives and negatives of having week off potentially.
"We aren't taking any of this for granted. When you dont play, those reps hurt you. Game experience is what you want. Get the negative out of your system. If there was a benefit, time for body to heal."#iufb— PaulGable (@PaulEGable) November 23, 2020
Here’s what else Allen had to say when it came to his offensive line and other subject matters.
Allen said IU said offensive line has been hurt most by the pandemic, more developmental guys "they need the weight room, they need the reps." #iufb
— KevinBrockwayCNHIIndiana (@KevinBrockwayG1) November 23, 2020
Allen said DL Jerome Johnson hustling to get interception for tip ball down the field was pointed out on film. "Just a tribute to him for playing so hard." #iufb
— KevinBrockwayCNHIIndiana (@KevinBrockwayG1) November 23, 2020
Allen says he talked to team about adversity and how you deal with adversity when others are counting on you. #iufb
— PaulGable (@PaulEGable) November 23, 2020
