What Indiana's Tom Allen said after another 'frustrating' loss
The schedule hasn’t been kind to coach Tom Allen’s Indiana squad, but the Hoosiers are in something of a tailspin. After a breakthrough 2020 season, Indiana has dropped 5 straight games to fall to 2-7 on the year and 0-6 in Big Ten play.
The latest loss came on the road Saturday against Michigan, 29-7.
It marked the 5th top-10 opponent the Hoosiers had faced in their last 7 games. IU in total has faced 6 ranked opponents in 9 games so far this season. It’ll host Rutgers on Nov. 13 at noon in the hopes of snapping the losing streak.
At the top of the list of priorities for the Hoosiers is simply getting healthy. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who last year produced 16 touchdowns in 6 games, has only made 5 appearances so far this year. His replacement, Jack Tuttle, has also battled injuries. Indiana has had to rely on a true freshman—6-foot-5 Donaven McCulley—of late.
Allen addressed his quarterback situation and more when he met with the media on Monday. Here’s more of what he said:
Tom Allen now up: "Obviously guys are playing hard. … Our defense did some good things. But need more consistency, need to eliminate some of those big plays."
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) November 8, 2021
Michael Penix and Jack Tuttle will both be able to practice this week. "That's positive news for sure." #iufb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) November 8, 2021
Stephen Carr has an ankle injury. Nothing broken, but "working hard to get him back." Not clear yet if he can practice this week. #iufb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) November 8, 2021
Allen: "Right now, we're being tested in a strong way."
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) November 8, 2021
Allen: "Major disappointment, frustration greater than any of us had ever imagined." #iufb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) November 8, 2021
Tom Allen on not packing in frustrating season: "We talked a lot yesterday about how we finish. That's how you're remembered." #iufb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) November 8, 2021
Allen asked about whether it's still a consideration to try to redshirt McCulley, as he has only played in four games. Said it is has been discussed and is based on how healthy Penix and Tuttle.
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) November 8, 2021
Allen: "It is truly a test of what you're made of on the inside."
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) November 8, 2021
Asked Allen if having bowl game off the table means he'll play more young guys. Said the goal is still to win the game, but some young guys will get in because of injuries.
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) November 8, 2021
Allen says competition will be even more open at running back this week with Carr working his way back. Still have the walk-ons and freshman David Holloman, though Trent Howland will still be suspended.
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) November 8, 2021
Asked what has been different about his defense this year, he mentions turnovers. Ability to make those change plays and havoc plays can compensate for other issues elsewhere. #iufb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) November 8, 2021
Allen: "When you get takeaways, that changes everything."
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) November 8, 2021
