Indiana University Athletics
Tom Allen Previews Rutgers
9/27/2018 6:21:00 PM | Football
On bouncing back from last week for Saturday's game against Rutgers...
"Back to work. I think that's been the guys consensus. There's no question there was disappointment after that game and a lot of hurt in that locker room. But at the same time, we got back to work on Monday and we learn from those mistakes that we made and build on the positives that occurred as well and move forward. I think our guys have brought tremendous focus this week, had a great week of preparation, loved how we practiced on Tuesday and Wednesday. Great day today doing our walkthrough and a lot of review. Great energy from our guys and that comes from leadership. We have a young team, yes, but we also have a core of leaders that have been here and understand how playing in a Big Ten season looks. We're going on the road and it's the biggest game of the season because it's the next one and that's how we approach it."
On carrying over momentum that the defense has gained these past four weeks...
"I think ironically in that kind of game (against MSU), I think those guys gained confidence. Just talking to them, they realized how well they played the majority of the time. When you are this young, now comes the finishing part, the being able to do it consistently is always the challenge and that's where we have to address and have to work through and continue to create depth at all positions. They gained confidence on Saturday night against a tough Michigan State team and have to keep that confidence with us and build on that and go and play even better on the road at Rutgers."
On the preparing for not knowing the Rutgers starting quarterback...
"The bottom line is, we don't know who the Rutgers quarterback will be and won't know until kickoff, I'm sure. You have to approach it like you have two thoughts based on each quarterback that is in the game. What they may do is make it look a little bit different in those situations. I just feel like we have to play to our standard. They have very explosive running backs who I think have a lot of talent. They have receivers who can take the ball down field. A big strong offensive line that we played against some of these guys for two straight years. They are experienced up front and the bottom line is we have to play our best football on defense and we expect to."
On special teams play through four weeks...
"They've performed very consistently and that's what we expect from them. We challenge those guys to be at their best when it counts the most. It's a big phrase for us with them because they get so few opportunities during the game to create those game changing plays. Obviously with their role, sometimes it gets lost in the flow until they make mistakes sometimes. Those two, Haydon Whitehead and Logan Justus have been very consistent and they need to be. We need those points in the field goal game and extra points. Also, field position with our punting. Pinning guys down, flipping the field, those are the things the punter does. Our long snapper has been amazing as well and those things have to continue. It is just kind of part of the team effort where you have to be locked in and focused and play at your best on game day and that is what we have next. I think those guys will do what they continue to do."
Players Mentioned
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