Indiana head coach Tom Allen spoke on Tuesday’s Big Ten coaches teleconference. The Hoosiers are coming off of a 24-17 win at Rutgers last week, and now they have to turn right around and hit the road again. This week’s game, however, is a much bigger test, and Allen isn’t shy when it comes to talking about the many reasons for concern when playing the Buckeyes. Here are the highlights of everything the Indiana head coach had to say in his allotted eight minutes.
+ Allen wasn’t happy with the way the Hoosiers played last week, but they closed it out well and executed effectively. “Now we have a chance to flush that one.”
+ Ohio State is a great team and the players are excited to get on the road and spend time together as a team.
+ As a defensive coach, Allen always wants to know which players opponents go to in the clutch, and that’s K.J. Hill for the Buckeyes. “He’s a guy you want on your team.”
+ Peyton Ramsey has improved in his poise and confidence in knowing where to take the ball. In his younger days, he would look to run quicker than he does now. He’s a year older and bigger, faster, and stronger, and the team believes in him.
+ Indiana ran out of gas last year against the Buckeyes. That’s about recruiting and player development. They can’t fix that overnight but have addressed it.
+ Ohio State’s roster depth is the “game-changer component.” Credit to them for being able to recruit that way. It’s a significant difference compared to the rest of the league.
+ Running back Morgan Ellison is still suspended. He has been allowed to be with the team recently, but they have no answer as to when he might be able to play again.
+ Chase Young is impressive and just so long. He keeps getting better and better. Losing Nick Bosa is a tough blow, but the depth and talent on the defensive line is impressive. “They just have so many of them.” The roster has so many talented players. They’re so well coached too. “I love watching them play, unless it’s up close and personal.” Great teams have elite defensive linemen and defensive coaches and the Buckeyes have that.
+ They are trying to figure out where they can hit big plays on this Ohio State defense. “Every big play we can create we’re going to do everything we can to create that.” They are looking for matchup problems and it’s hard to find against this defense.
Allen is a stand-up guy–one of my favorite coaches..of course, I want OSU to kick Indiana’s butt this week but kinda root for them the rest of the way.
It is no secret where they will try to exploit the O State D. Linebackers. The Best Man has yet to get his unit in position for the majority of every game.
I like this guy. Doesn’t sugar-coat, is direct, and has a good eye for breaking an offense down.