Allen Wants to See Defense Keep Climbing Up

By: Nick Reith
IUHoosiers.com

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Tom Allen is ready for the Indiana defense to take its next step.

IU's defensive coordinator is encouraged by the progress he's witnessed in the first half of the regular season, but he knows the key to becoming an elite defense is to continue climbing the ladder. The next rung for Indiana, according to Allen, is fixing the little things that are hindering its progression.

"I told them that we played really well the majority of the time, but when we had to have it in that final drive and the little things cost us," Allen said, looking back on Saturday's game versus No. 10 Nebraska. "It was a guy not fitting the run right, a guy not scraping or spilling. A couple of guys might have played too many snaps, and fatigue began to set in. That was my challenge to the twos, to step up so we can get some rest for the key guys earlier in the game. That allows us to be at our best at the end of the game, and it challenges the first group to raise their level."

Allen's analysis zoomed in on one play that came with 6:42 remaining in the game, when Nebraska was amidst their game-winning drive. He froze the frame before the snap and noticed that Indiana had five guys in the play who aren't in the starting lineup.

"I pointed to them and said, 'You have to take ownership when you're in the game to win the game and beat a top-10 team in the country,'" Allen said. "They have to do that throughout the week, in practices and walk-throughs, to be at their best. It's a culmination of those things along with our depth, just getting us to a position where we're not content with playing good; we want to be great."

In their recent games, most notably their consecutive contests against top-10 teams, Allen has seen encouraging play across the defensive unit. Players like A'Shon Riggins and Rashard Fant, who have taken strides on their deep ball pass defense, are examples of the Hoosiers' next step as a defense.

"You saw evidence on Saturday that their confidence is really growing," said Allen. "They did a good job against some talented receivers, and they did a great job of squeezing routes and getting their heads around and their hands on the ball."

Allen is encouraged, but he also expressed frustration with some of his top players on the defense. It's a frustration centered in motivation, where he's expecting the best from his key guys when they need it the most.

One such player is Tegray Scales, a linebacker who has been instrumental in the quick success of Allen's defensive scheme. Allen acknowledged that Scales' snap count was higher against Nebraska than in past games, but only because he's calling Scales to something greater.

"I challenged him about some former players who have played at that spot in this system, and how productive they were, but obviously it's on him to make those plays," said Allen. "Tegray has responded and played how I thought he would after spending time with him this spring. I knew he was a special player that we had to get his mind and preparation in the right place, and he's responded."

This weekend, Allen turns his focus on a road trip to Northwestern. He believes the challenges they faced at Ohio State and against Nebraska will resurface against NU, as the Wildcats boast a few high-level options at their skill positions.

"He's really way more comfortable than he was early on, and you can tell with his feet, where his eyes are going, and how he's releasing the football," Allen said regarding Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson. "The play of your quarterback is instrumental to your success on offense, and the last couple of weeks we've seen some really good quarterbacks who made their teams go. This young man is no different; as his play has continued to improve, everything around him has improved as well."

Allen proceeded by highlighting NU running back, Justin Jackson, who he believes has developed a niche in the Wildcats system. He took special note of Austin Carr, who in Allen's mind, is one of the best receiving threats in the Big Ten.

"We were watching him a lot yesterday and he catches everything," Allen said of Carr's skillset. "He has that swagger about him, you can tell, he's very confident in the way he carries himself. He believes that he's the man, and that's what you want. They've got it going on with those three players, they've done a great job."

Players Mentioned

Rashard Fant

A’Shon Riggins

Tegray Scales

Indiana University Athletics