Indiana University Athletics
Thursday Takeaways: Rutgers
11/11/2021 2:57:00 PM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana head football coach Tom Allen addressed the media on Thursday (Nov. 11) in front of the Hoosiers home contest against Rutgers at noon on the Big Ten Network inside Memorial Stadium.
Below is a partial transcript of the press conference, while video of the full media session can be found on the right sidebar at IUHoosiers.com.
Tom Allen | Head Coach
On the health in running backs room…
TA: [Stephen Carr] is trying to get his way back, but we still don't know yet. Obviously the other guys that have been playing will be given great opportunities to take full advantage of that, if Stephen cannot go. Then, obviously, some of the younger guys like David Holloman has been getting lots of reps this week, and Charlie Spegal, as well. Those guys have been in the mix, more so here lately, just trying to see who we have to be able to give those opportunities to make plays for us.
On the quarterback situation heading into Rutgers…
TA: Definitely got more opportunities and more reps this week than last, which is very positive. We will have multiple quarterbacks ready to play on Saturday.
On his message to the team throughout the week…
TA: It has just really been focusing on the concept of persevering. To use that word and the things that wrap around that - the grit piece, which is perseverance and passion towards a long-term goal - and just trying to relate that to life. We are obviously trying to relate it to what we are going through now and just focus on winning each and every day. That has been a major focal point as we meet with them, talk with them, share with them, show them videos and present it in different ways and let different people talk, [even have] former players talking to them through video. Just being able to help and encourage the guys, and their mindset. We talk so much about it, and if you think about it in a normal circumstance, you still have to focus on the things you can control, be able to not look ahead and you don't want to look [in the past]. It is no different right now, even though there are things that have created this situation and where we are at. You know, different guys that are available or not available, but at the same time those guys that are going to be playing on Saturday have one decision to make and that is to make sure they are absolutely locked in and focused, have prepared their very best each and every day, and for them and us to play our best football on Saturday.
On how the recruiting outlook stands heading into the offseason…
TA: There is no question that [the transfer portal] has become a part of the new culture of college football and roster management techniques that you use as a staff to be able to manage that roster and have a proper sequencing of ages on your team. I am talking in terms of the certain number of freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors, accordingly, to where you have good balance, so you don't lose a large amount from one group. I would say the focus in that area is going to be on the defensive line, potentially in the secondary at safety, and wide receiver. I think you are always trying to find mature offensive linemen. That can really be a beneficiary if they can play multiple positions [on the offensive line]. I think the running back position, to me, is kind of an obvious one. We are going to have those areas of need and we will address those and try to find the very best players to fill those, whether they are out of high school or through the transfer portal.
Below is a partial transcript of the press conference, while video of the full media session can be found on the right sidebar at IUHoosiers.com.
Tom Allen | Head Coach
On the health in running backs room…
TA: [Stephen Carr] is trying to get his way back, but we still don't know yet. Obviously the other guys that have been playing will be given great opportunities to take full advantage of that, if Stephen cannot go. Then, obviously, some of the younger guys like David Holloman has been getting lots of reps this week, and Charlie Spegal, as well. Those guys have been in the mix, more so here lately, just trying to see who we have to be able to give those opportunities to make plays for us.
On the quarterback situation heading into Rutgers…
TA: Definitely got more opportunities and more reps this week than last, which is very positive. We will have multiple quarterbacks ready to play on Saturday.
On his message to the team throughout the week…
TA: It has just really been focusing on the concept of persevering. To use that word and the things that wrap around that - the grit piece, which is perseverance and passion towards a long-term goal - and just trying to relate that to life. We are obviously trying to relate it to what we are going through now and just focus on winning each and every day. That has been a major focal point as we meet with them, talk with them, share with them, show them videos and present it in different ways and let different people talk, [even have] former players talking to them through video. Just being able to help and encourage the guys, and their mindset. We talk so much about it, and if you think about it in a normal circumstance, you still have to focus on the things you can control, be able to not look ahead and you don't want to look [in the past]. It is no different right now, even though there are things that have created this situation and where we are at. You know, different guys that are available or not available, but at the same time those guys that are going to be playing on Saturday have one decision to make and that is to make sure they are absolutely locked in and focused, have prepared their very best each and every day, and for them and us to play our best football on Saturday.
On how the recruiting outlook stands heading into the offseason…
TA: There is no question that [the transfer portal] has become a part of the new culture of college football and roster management techniques that you use as a staff to be able to manage that roster and have a proper sequencing of ages on your team. I am talking in terms of the certain number of freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors, accordingly, to where you have good balance, so you don't lose a large amount from one group. I would say the focus in that area is going to be on the defensive line, potentially in the secondary at safety, and wide receiver. I think you are always trying to find mature offensive linemen. That can really be a beneficiary if they can play multiple positions [on the offensive line]. I think the running back position, to me, is kind of an obvious one. We are going to have those areas of need and we will address those and try to find the very best players to fill those, whether they are out of high school or through the transfer portal.
Players Mentioned
FB: Inside IU Football with Curt Cignetti - Week 9 (UCLA)
Thursday, October 23
FB: Under the Hood with Indiana Football - Week 9 (UCLA)
Wednesday, October 22
FB: Omar Cooper Jr. Media Availability (10/21/25)
Tuesday, October 21
FB: Stephen Daley Media Availability (10/21/25)
Tuesday, October 21