What Indiana coach Tom Allen said at his Monday press conference
While 2020 hasn’t been a positive year for many, it sure has been a great one for Indiana football.
The Hoosiers have been on a tear this season. This was especially true this past Saturday when Indiana went into Madison and defeated Wisconsin.
Now, the Hoosiers sit at 6-1. Their only shot at a Big Ten title is if Ohio State does not play this week and the conference refuses to change its six-game minimum rule. However, their chances at a New Year’s Six Bowl seem pretty darn good at this point.
Before all that, let’s see what head coach Tom Allen had to say at his Monday press conference.
Prior to breaking down this week’s game against Purdue, Allen did take time to acknowledge his team’s win against the Badgers and the play of quarterback Jack Tuttle. He made his first start in place of the injured Michael Penix Jr. and led the Hoosiers to a win.
Tom Allen with the media now. Says he is proud how Indiana responded Saturday' says he challenged every player to elevate one percent against Badgers.
"Proud of Jack and how he responded." #iufb— PaulGable (@PaulEGable) December 7, 2020
Allen singles out leadership of several players and says Hoosiers were disciplined against Wisconsin
— PaulGable (@PaulEGable) December 7, 2020
Allen on Tuttle: I think always good to have first start under your belt. Did good job handling responsibilities and now chance to do it again. Showed tremendous toughness took some hits and shots and kept coming back. #iufb
— PaulGable (@PaulEGable) December 7, 2020
Allen says Tuttle has always been a hard worker and says that won't change for him. #iufb
— PaulGable (@PaulEGable) December 7, 2020
Allen says he's glad Tuttle is a Hoosier.
"Hes a special young man." #iufb— PaulGable (@PaulEGable) December 7, 2020
Allen on Tuttle: I come back to the toughness. He took a couple big hits from big physical guys. To stand in there and make accurate throws under duress. I think you get thrown into that situation never started before and it's different #iufb
— PaulGable (@PaulEGable) December 7, 2020
Allen says Michael Penix is Tuttle's number one fan #iufb
— PaulGable (@PaulEGable) December 7, 2020
We also learned more about a change that Allen made on the offensive line in Saturday’s game.
Tom Allen says Matthew Bedford was "dinged up" going into Wisconsin. Expected him to go, but Luke Haggard was playing well and Bedford was still a little less than full-go. Should be a go for Saturday. #iufb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) December 7, 2020
In an unrelated note, we heard Allen speak about his punter and his ability to use both legs to punt.
Tom Allen on Haydon Whitehead being able to punt with both feet: "Go try that sometime. Go kick a bill with your non-dominant foot. …. That's a tough thing to do." #iufb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) December 7, 2020
Next up for Allen’s squad is Purdue in the classic in-state rivalry. He seems to be particularly fired up about this game.
Allen on Purdue: "Coach Brohm has a very talented football team. Some of the best receivers in the country on that football team, a lot of weapons." #iufb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) December 7, 2020
Allen on Purdue: As I explained to our team its biggest game bc its next one and it is bucket week. Our focus is on how we do we prepare this week to play our very best Saturday. Throw out the records. We know we will get Purdue's best. #iufb
— PaulGable (@PaulEGable) December 7, 2020
Allen: always cold watching bucket game. Throw out the records. Always wanted to watch the game. Families divided. One side of my family predominantly Purdue and other Indiana. It's personal and whole year of bragging rights. Can change your whole season. Big game #iufb
— PaulGable (@PaulEGable) December 7, 2020
Allen on bucket game: means a whole bunch to me. I just finished giving guys fiery speech about what it means #iufb
— PaulGable (@PaulEGable) December 7, 2020
Here’s what else Allen had to say Monday.
Allen: much to be worked on and improved. #iufb
— PaulGable (@PaulEGable) December 7, 2020
Allen: We have scaled things back. Legitimate concern and will rely on strength staff. Feel good what weve done and made modifications. We are one of few teams who have had to do this but blessed. #iufb
— PaulGable (@PaulEGable) December 7, 2020
Allen: McFadden playing at a very high level and always around the football. His leadership has really grown. He's a special one and one of best linebackers in country. #iufb
— PaulGable (@PaulEGable) December 7, 2020
Allen on Tiawan Mullen: He comes up with plays, that's just him. He has so much confidence, great personality and work ethic #iufb
— PaulGable (@PaulEGable) December 7, 2020
Allen: Whop has provided leadership this season and buying in with helping team any way he can #iufb
— PaulGable (@PaulEGable) December 7, 2020