Tom Allen Previews Maryland

On how the team is adapting this week and focusing on Maryland…

I thought they've had a great focus. We had a really good Tuesday practice, a really good Wednesday practice, today was a walk-through for us and we'll finish up tomorrow with our full-speed Friday as we get ready to get on the plane and head out East. I'm really encouraged by the guys' response. It can be challenging to continue to persevere when you get that close, but that's what you have to do. That's where the mindset does come in. It is about your mind, how you talk to yourself, how you approach each day, but also taking a tremendous amount of confidence and drawing a lot of strength from the fact that we've played extremely well. Just have to finish at this point.

On preparing for the different weapons Maryland has on its roster…

Absolutely. They have two really good running backs, two great receivers and several others as well that are dangerous. But those four guys are really top targets for them, and they should be. They are very, very productive. So you've got to be in great position. They have tremendous speed and quickness. You have to be in your fits in the run game and have your eyes right and be disciplined in your drops and your coverage. We are going to stress our defense for sure, but our guys need to rise up and be the reason why.

On the challenges Maryland brings from its defense…

They have multiple looks. They will change the front up on you and give you different looks there and bring a lot of pressure on passing situations. A lot of man coverage and they have the athletes to do it. They are playing hard, they are very physical, and Coach Durkin is a defensive guy. That's his area and I know he really takes a lot of pride in that. You can see them getting better and better.

Indiana University Athletics

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