Tom Allen Previews PSU

On practice this week...
"I think they bought into that, they've listened to that. As painful it was on Saturday, you have to learn from it and press on and that's what we've done. Part of that process is flushing it out of your system and be able to refocus. For our guys to lock into the new game plan for Penn State, it's a new week, new opportunity, new challenge and those guys embrace that."

On preparing for Penn State QB Trace McSorley...
"Third time playing against him. A lot of respect for him, how hard he plays, how he competes. It is what you are looking for at that position. That creates challenges for our defense, but we have to rise up to those challenges and have to be able to defend the field vertically because he will make you pay there. You have to also defend the field horizontally because he'll be able to distribute the ball there and then the run game with several talented running backs next to him, and his ability to run. It will definitely force you to be very, very disciplined in your fits. Certain situations where you are able to get enough hats to the football to be able to defend what they do. That's the challenge we've been given and that's what we are ready for."

On the importance of bringing down the ball carrier...
"There's no question (Miles Sanders) does a great job of breaking tackles. His ability to extend the play after contact is impressive. Similar to last year's back, Barkley was similar, and Sanders is very special. Have to get a lot of guys to the ball and when we get there we have to wrap and you have to run your feet. It is fundamentals and we didn't do a good job of that last week and we've worked hard on that this week, trying to correct some of those things. It's about energy and effort, getting there and once you get there it is technically squeezing those elbows, run those feet."

On what makes Penn State defense unique...
"Very aggressive. Their front is extremely talented. They bring a lot of pressure. They play really hard. They have good athletes at the linebacker position and secondary. They do a lot of good things fundamentally and schematically. I like what they do as we watched them and studied them. That's the challenge. We have to be able to throw the football down the field. We have to be able to run the football and be able to take advantage of things that they give you. It never ceases to be this case. You have to win up front. Whether that is just enough of a crease to get the yards you have to have. It's protecting our quarterback and allowing him the time to be effective. It's creating a mentality for our offense that we are extending those downs, series, allowing ourselves to stay on the football field and score touchdowns."

On Ellie Mallory being an honorary captain...
"It's really special. Having Ellie Mallory here with us and just such an amazing part of our history. Love her family so much and Coach (Bill) Mallory and all he represents and his whole family. She's been such a great supporter since I have been here with me and my wife and our entire family. (She) just understands where we are and understands the fight here and has been such a great ambassador for Indiana football. We are thrilled and honored to have her side by side as our honorary captain on Saturday."

Indiana University Athletics

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