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What IU’s Tom Allen said as Hoosiers prepare for showdown with No. 5 Ohio State
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It was another tough weekend for the Hoosiers.
Despite having an extra week to prepare for Michigan State, the Indiana offense still struggled, scoring just one touchdown in a 20-15 loss to the Spartans. The defense played well, but a pick-six thrown by Jack Tuttle ultimately proved to be the difference.
Life doesn’t get any easier for the Hoosiers, who are now 2-4 on the season and still searching for their first B1G win of 2021. They’ll welcome in No. 5 Ohio State, who is coming off an idle week and playing like one of the most explosive teams in the country.
Indiana head coach Tom Allen understands the challenge ahead and the kind of problems Ohio State presents. On Monday, he spoke with reporters about the upcoming matchup, Saturday’s loss to Michigan State, provided some injury updates and plenty more.
Here’s what Allen had to say:
Indiana coach Tom Allen “Our defense played very well but could play even better.” #iufb
— KevinBrockwayGators (@KevinBrockwayG1) October 18, 2021
Allen: "Special teams, I still feel like our punt team is not what it needs to be." Points out the botched attempt at downing the ball around the 5 that turned into a touchback. (And man, that looked worse on a re-watch than it even did live.)
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) October 18, 2021
Allen said his biggest takeaway from Tuttle was just he's got to protect the football better: "He still looked like a guy who has not played a lot of football, which, collectively, he has not."
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) October 18, 2021
Allen on Tuttle: "Solid performance, but not good enough." But also says, "I gotta do a better job. The buck stops with me."
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) October 18, 2021
Indiana coach Tom Allen says key for defense against Ohio State is not to allow explosive pass plays “they have three receivers who can stress your defense.” #iufb
— KevinBrockwayGators (@KevinBrockwayG1) October 18, 2021
Tom Allen on offensive line as platform for getting offense back on track: "It does start up front. We did some good things, but not good enough." #iufb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) October 18, 2021
Allen: "Noah Pierre really stands out to me. Nine tackles. There was no question they were going after him."
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) October 18, 2021
Injuries-wise, Tom Allen says Tiawan Mullen and Reese Taylor are still questionable for Saturday.
"Hopeful for those two guys. Right now, don't know for sure."
Mullen missed Penn State and Michigan State. Taylor tried to play Saturday but lasted just one drive. #iufb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) October 18, 2021
Sounds like the four-game redshirt is off the table for Donaven McCulley. With Michael Penix down, IU just sees him as the No. 2 and has lifted any restrictions. #iufb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) October 18, 2021
Following up on McCulley decision, Allen says part of it is IU not being able to know for sure when Michael Penix will be available again. #iufb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) October 18, 2021
Allen on QB Donaven McCulley said he expects his role to grow #iufb
— KevinBrockwayGators (@KevinBrockwayG1) October 18, 2021
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB