Tom Allen Previews FIU

On preparing for two quarterbacks while playing FIU...

"It creates challenges. Obviously in the first game, the challenges are the unknown. One young man is a transfer from Bowling Green, the other has been there but hasn't played a lot. You go back and watch them on film, what they have played and try to develop a game plan to their skillset. Definitely some challenges will be created there. I told our guys it doesn't matter who is back there, we are going to do what we do and play to our standard. Just play physical, aggressive, attacking defense and swarming the ball."

On the importance of getting the running game going...

"It's a critical part of the game. Establishing the running game on offense, whoever you are and stopping it on defense is the foundational part of our philosophy here. It's pretty consistent with most people. Understanding if you have trouble stopping the run, it creates a lot of other issues. You try to make an offense one-dimensional and you start that process by trying to take the run away. That is their strength. They have stable running backs and a very experienced offensive line that is very well coached and does a great job. We are going to have to really do a great job in our fits, be disciplined, be physical at the point of attack and tackle extremely well."

On what will determine the success of the quarterbacks...

"The bottom line is you have to put our offense in a position to win the football game. That's the number one objective. We expect those guys to protect the football, we expect them to move the chains and put us in position to score points. Touchdowns EW what we want, especially in the red zone. Those opportunities have been a big emphasis for us. To be able to as the game gets in the fourth quarter put ourselves in a position to make that game-winning drive, whether it's to kick a field goal, score a touchdown, whatever we need. That's the mindset, that finishing mindset and that ownership on the offensive side of the football and taking it personal."

On Brandon Dawkins...

"So much respect for him. Takes a lot of courage to do that and the things he's going through that he put out. Just thoughts and prayers with him and wish him nothing but the best. We are going to do whatever we can to help him and he's a great kid. I really want him to have the opportunity to get a victory over this."

Indiana University Athletics

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