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What Tom Allen said as Indiana enters much-needed off week
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Indiana entered the season with plenty of hope after putting together a somewhat magical season during their pandemic-shortened 2020 run. But the hype has gone, and the Hoosiers took their third loss of the season during a 24-0 road loss to No. 4 Penn State.
The Hoosiers offense never got going, and were outgained 408-264 and only picked up 12 first downs compared to the Nittany Lions 20. Defensively, Penn State held IU to just 3-of-14 in third-down conversions.
Starting quarterback Michael Penix, Jr. went down in the third quarter with a shoulder injury and never re-entered. IU head coach Tom Allen reported this morning that Penix, Jr. suffered an AC separation in his throwing shoulder and is week-to-week.
Here is more of what Allen had to say as he met with the media on Monday.
Allen said the big areas the offense needs to focus on are the run game, QB play and the red zone. But they're going to be thoroughly going through that.
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) October 4, 2021
Donaven McCulley's role "will definitely increase" with Penix out, which makes sense. He's now the No. 2. Worth pointing out IU has not used McCulley yet, meaning he has all four of his redshirt-allowed games remaining. #iufb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) October 4, 2021
On Penix's injury: Allen says surgery can't be completely ruled out just because of "unknowns" in recovery. But IU confident it won't be necessary.
"Right now, we feel confident the rehab process will allow him to heal and get back to where he can be effective." #iufb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) October 4, 2021
Allen on Penix: "Surgery is not necessary at this point. The rehab process has already begun." #iufb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) October 4, 2021
Scout team players of the week:
DEF Cooper Jones
OFF Trey Walker, Sam Daugstrup
ST Nick Greiser#iufb— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) October 4, 2021
Tom Allen also confirms Tim Baldwin is in the portal and no longer with the team. #iufb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) October 4, 2021
Allen said all of the players who were injured on defense are expected to make a full recovery in the short term. (Mullen, Raheem Layne, Reese Taylor.) Said most of them won't practice this week during the bye, but the goal is to get them rehabbed to practice Sunday night.
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) October 4, 2021
Allen says the loss of Baldwin obviously hurts the depth, but mentions David Holloman and Charlie Spegal among players who could make an impact who we haven't seen yet.
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) October 4, 2021
Allen says "they're definitely going to make some adjustments" with the offense. Said the performance was not acceptable. Issues were across the board. Play-calling, execution, scheme things. "It's my responsibility to make sure," it gets better, Allen said.
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) October 4, 2021
Allen asked about Tuttle: "He's highly respected by his teammates. He brings an energy as well. … He brought us a spark on Saturday. Have absolute confidence in him."
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) October 4, 2021
Scott Schultz covers Michigan State Football, along with Breaking News for B1G Football & Basketball for Saturday Tradition. He also serves as an Automotive News Editor & Writer, and Softball Writer elsewhere on the web. Follow him on Twitter @SRSchultz.