Tom Allen Previews the Hawkeyes

On what makes Iowa's defense unique...
"They have new faces at certain positions from last season, but the result hasn't changed. They are still top 5 in the country in total defense, top 5 run defense. They just play their system so well, very disciplined, big strong guys. Really kind of control you with technique and make it very difficult, it's hard to move them. You have to manipulate them with your scheme and different things you do with your plan. To physically win those battles, they are tough. That's kind of what they have been, they do what they do and believe in it. As a staff we have a lot of respect for that because that is coaching. It's development. It's developing a program and a system your kids believe in. That's what we are aspiring to have here, on and off the field. That makes them very difficult to beat, but that's our challenge for our weekend."

On the Iowa tight ends challenging the defense...
"It is unique because most teams don't have their top two receivers in receptions as tight ends. That's deceiving to say that it is not an explosive passing game because it is. They are very good athletes, versatile enough to flex them out and play them as wide receivers and big enough to be in the box and block as a tight end. That creates challenges. It's matching up with safeties and linebackers, but they run like receivers, a couple of them. That's why they are effective and have given a lot of people trouble. We just have to have great eye discipline as we read our run-pass rules, our fits off of that. You have to stop the run, if you don't they will wear you out with that all day and make it difficult. It's about doing that first and controlling them in the passing game so we have to make sure we do a great job with our discipline."

On Nate Sudfeld being the honorary captain...
"It is really special. We are proud of him and all of our alumni, guys that are playing are just doing a great job representing us, on and off the field, which is what really matters. The bottom line is we are thrilled and we want those guys to feel so welcomed here, that they are a part of this even though I didn't coach them, wasn't here when he was a player or any of these guys for the most part. The bottom line is they are part of our family and they are very important to us. We want them here and we are going to recognize them when they do come back and want them to be on our sideline helping us win football games."

On the passing of George Taliaferro...
"What a special man. We had a great session this morning, honoring him in our team meeting and talking about him. I want our players to know who he was, how special he truly was as a player, but more importantly as a man and as a person. How he changed the culture of this country in regards to the racial situation and being able to understand where we've come from and he was part of helping to create that change. He got that master's degree and he became an educator in higher education to be able to create change. That's what you do and he's made a difference in this country and we are really proud to have him as one of our own.'

Indiana University Athletics

Related News

Related Videos