Tom Allen calls Marvin Harrison Jr. the ‘best’ WR he’s faced in his coaching career, praises IU defensive backs

Tom Allen’s Indiana squad fared slightly better than America would have guessed prior to Week 1. The Hoosiers still lost by 3 touchdowns but fought hard against the far superior Buckeyes.

Following the game, Allen was praiseworthy of his defensive backs despite Ohio State passing for 237 yards. The Hoosiers picked up an interception and did not allow a passing touchdown all day. And though he was injured early in the game, Allen lumped some heavy praise on Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr.

While complementing his defensive backs, Allen called Harrison, “probably the best (receiver) we’ve ever gone against since I’ve been coaching in my entire career.” Harrison and Emeka Egbuka combined for 5 receptions for 34 yards and 0 touchdowns Saturday.

Here’s Allen’s full quote on his defensive backs’ performance against the Buckeyes’ dangerous receiving corps.

“I know for a fact those receivers are special,” Allen said, via Eleven Warriors. “One’s probably the best we’ve gone ever gone against since I’ve been coaching in my entire career. Just to be able to keep those guys in check was very critical, and it was a combination of some pressure up front as well as guys covering the back end.”

Harrison re-entered the game after suffering an apparent shoulder injury, but it’s likely if was still affecting him as the game went on. Regardless, this was a fairly strong showing from Indiana’s DBs under the circumstances.

Ethan Stone

Ethan Stone was an editor for his student newspaper at the University of Tennessee and is now a News Manager for Saturday Tradition.