Indiana University Athletics
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Allen Praising Takeaways for IU Defense
9/7/2016 5:29:00 PM | Football
By: Charlie Duffy
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Defensive coordinator Tom Allen has reason to be pleased about the direction his defense is moving. In the season opener at Florida International, the Hoosiers held the Panthers to just 13 points while scoring 16 on their own.
"That is the result of playing a certain way," Allen said. "When you are playing your tail off, flying to the football and executing the defense, takeaways will be created."
One of the many things Coach Allen has preached since his arrival in Bloomington is to force takeaways. The Hoosiers recorded three interceptions last week. Juniors Rashard Fant (cornerback) and Tegray Scales (linebacker) both returned them for touchdowns. Junior Ben Bach closed the door on the Panthers final scoring opportunity by picking off a deflected ball late in the fourth quarter.
"In the fourth quarter you have to have that mindset of finishing," said Allen. "Those things do not change overnight. You have to start building them in practices. But when it happens in a game you have a chance to be in a fire, in the moment you get a chance to see how the players respond."
Indiana's defense also played with a sense of urgency and pride. FIU returned many offensive starters that played the Hoosiers close last season in Bloomington, but the relentless effort was enough to stifle the Panthers this season. After trailing 13-12 to begin the fourth quarter, the Hoosiers ripped off 22 unanswered points to secure the win.
Up next, Ball State comes to town on Saturday to open up Memorial Stadium for the 2016 football season. The Cardinals will provide a completely different challenge for the defensive unit. Last weekend, they rushed for 325 yards in their season-opening victory over Georgia State.
"They physically dominated them in the second half, and it was impressive," Allen said of Ball State's victory over Georgia State.
Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. and ESPNEWS will broadcast the game.
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