Tom Allen Previews Michigan State

On the importance of the Old Brass Spittoon and the game on Saturday...

"It was very important to educate our young guys what the Brass Spittoon is, what is represents. Give them the history of it and help them understand how important it is. It's a trophy game for this program, we have two of those we play for each year. We had it in our possession two years ago and we want to get it back."

On running the football against a strong Michigan State defense...

"I've said from the beginning, you have to run the football on offense and you have to stop the run on defense. That's where it all begins and that is where it ends. We have to find a way to run the football. They've done an awesome job in that area, they've been good at that for many years and so we know we'll have a big challenge for that. Nonetheless, that's where the game will be decided on both sides of the football. At the end of the day, you have to make plays in space and both teams will have to do so."

On the point of emphasis of scoring in the red zone...

"Last year, we were down there three times specifically and got three field goals and no touchdowns. With the 9-3 lead late in the game, it wasn't enough and you knew you were going to have to score touchdowns and wanted more opportunities to do so. Bottom line, we didn't get the job done. We didn't finish. Obviously it's a new season, new opportunity. We have to continue to coach our guys as this week concludes so we make a different outcome in those red zone opportunities in the future."

On the confidence of the team after going 3-0 heading into Big Ten play...

"Right now, obviously our guys took care of business in the non-conference schedule, which we did what we needed to do. Those were good solid wins for us. Now, everything is ramped up, everything is intensified with Michigan State coming to town. I believe our guys are very, very confident in what we've done and how we've prepared. That preparation creates that confidence, but you have to go out and do it on game day and do it during Big Ten games. We know that is the next step for us and that's a challenge we face, a challenge we accept and a challenge we are going to be ready for."

On the noise and atmosphere at Memorial Stadium...

"It's noticeably much louder now (with enclosed end zones). You thought it would be and it absolutely is. But the more people we get in here, the louder it's going to be. We need our fans to come support us and our kids are going to play their tails off. Bottom line, we need everybody and I've said that from the beginning. It's going to take a whole bunch of folks to get this program where we want it to be. Getting a great crowd on Saturday night is going to be a huge next step."

Indiana University Athletics

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