Highlights From Tom Allen on 'Inside Indiana Football' Radio Show

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana football coach Tom Allen joined "The Voice of the Hoosiers" Don Fischer on Wednesday night's edition of the "Inside Indiana Football" radio show, live from Chop Shop Market and Table in Bloomington.

Allen and Fischer recapped Indiana's season-opening loss to Ohio State, discussed the Hoosiers' quarterback situation and previewed Friday's matchup against Indiana State.

Here are the highlights.

On Indiana's 23-3 loss to Ohio State:

Allen said he was disappointed in the loss and there are a lot of things to fix, but also some positives to build off of, especially defensively. He was proud of how the new faces on defense played, recognizing there were positions he was unsure about heading into the game.
Allen said Ohio State's team strength is its defense, led by two returning linebackers and two "stud" defensive ends, who are more comfortable in year two of their defensive system. He said playing with a new quarterback and a few new offensive linemen is a challenge for any team, even Ohio State.
Allen thought Indiana had a really good defensive line before the season, but Saturday's game affirmed that belief, which excited him.
As for negatives in the game, Allen thought penalties on special teams really hurt, setting Indiana back 50 total yards and forcing them to start multiple drives within their own 15-yard line.
Allen recognized Indiana has to play better on offense. He thought first down execution was lacking, which led to too many 3rd-and-long situations.

On new defensive coordinator Matt Guerrieri:

Overall, Allen thought Guerrieri did a great job calling plays for the defense in his first game at Indiana.
Allen said he and Guerrieri meet often during the week, but he doesn't tell Guerrieri what to call on game day. Allen thought there were a few calls he didn't like, but thought Guerrieri had a really good feel to the game, seen through his plan and preparation but also being able to adjust on the fly/
“He and I are on a similar wavelength in regards to how we approach the game." Guerrieri is sticking to the main principles of Allen's defense, but has added a few wrinkles. Allen said his trust in Guerrieri continues to grow.

On promising individual performances:

Allen was happy with sophomore safety Phillip Dunnam, who had an interception Saturday, as well as redshirt freshman Jamari Sharpe, saying they "took the step we thought they would."
Allen always thought punter James Evans had a strong leg, but said he's grown every week since joining the team in 2021 from New Zealand. “Special teams are a massive part at this level," and Evans' ability to pin opponents inside the 10-yard line is a "weapon," especially when Indiana is in close games.
Fischer pointed out that CBS announcers said they thought Indiana linebacker Aaron Casey was the best player on the field Saturday. Allen said Indiana originally recruited Casey as a safety, but converted him to linebacker in college. His career has come with ups and downs, but he fought and battled to become a starter. Last year's injury to Cam Jones provided Casey with an opportunity to grow and develop, and now he's playing with confidence and decisiveness. Allen was impressed with his tackling ability against Ohio State's talented running backs.

On the offensive line:

Allen said the offensive line has been a massive priority and point of emphasis. He felt they improved throughout the spring and fall, especially playing against what he believed to be a strong defensive line.
Allen said Indiana has struggled to block Ohio State in past seasons, but thought he saw some movement Saturday. His one criticism with the offensive line is that is didn't always "stay on them," but overall, it was a step in the right direction.
Allen declined to mention the name, but he said an older offensive lineman probably wasn't at full strength for Saturday's game after suffering an injury in fall camp.
Allen feels Indiana has seven or eight guys that they will mix and match before deciding the best five offensive linemen.
Allen's goal is to be able to establish the run game behind the offensive line and use that to develop the pass game.
Matt Bedford switched to right guard on Saturday after playing tackle for most of his career, which moved Kahlil Benson to right tackle. Allen said this was because Bedford is coming off an ACL tear and they're trying to bring him along with that. He said Bedford and Benson are both flexible and able to play both spots.
Allen has been encouraged by Joshua Sales' growth and feels Indiana has four tackles that cna play.
Allen said center Zach Carpenter was Indiana's best offensive lineman during spring and fall practices, especially in regards to how much he's grown. He thinks new offensive line coach Bob Bostad has brought the best out of Carpenter. He likes the way Carpenter is getting to the second level with his blocks, as well as blocking opposing nose tackles. Allen feels Indiana has three centers that can play.

On Indiana's quarterbacks, running backs and receivers:

Allen reiterated his quarterback decision, saying Tayven Jackson will start against Indiana State but Brendan Sorsby will also play. He wants to evaluate both quarterbacks after two games and make a decision from there.
Allen thought Jackson and Sorsby did some good things, but also made mistakes. He said there were a few instances of miscommunication, both with pre-snap motion and with wide receivers.
Allen said the offensive system and play calling is largely the same no matter who is in at quarterback because Jackson and Sorsby's skillsets are similar, with subtle changes.
Allen said Wake Forest running back transfer Christian Turner has "a lot of pop to him," and is also strong and fast. He feels Indiana has three running backs that compliment each other with a balance of power and speed, referring to Turner, Josh Henderson and Jaylin Lucas.
Allen mentioned that running backs Trent Howland and David Holloman could also get a chance to play, and he likes the running backs' unselfishness.
Allen said Indiana needs to get Lucas the ball in space more because of his "make-you-miss ability." Lucas will play some slot receiver moving forward.
Like Lucas, Allen said the plan is to get Cam Camper the ball more. He was on a bit of a pitch count against Ohio State, which was his first game after suffering a torn ACL last year.

On Walt Bell's conservative play calling:

Allen wants Indiana to be more aggressive moving forward, especially in the second half.
Allen said the reason Indiana played conservatively was because they wanted to limit the number of possessions for Ohio State's explosive offense. Indiana started multiple possessions deep in their own territory, which can often result in pick-sixes or turnovers that give the opponent optimal field position. "Any mistake there is catastrophic," Allen said.
Allen wanted to eliminate the risk of major mistakes with the young quarterbacks, knowing the game could flip in the wrong direction in a hurry.
Eventually, Allen wants to play complimentary football and said this conservative style will not be the norm moving forward.

On Friday's game against Indiana State:

Fischer pointed out that Indiana State's starting quarterback and a key defensive back are both out with injury.
Allen said he has a ton of respect for Indiana State head coach Curt Mallory, the son of legendary Indiana coach Bill Mallory and one of Allen's close friends.
Allen mentioned that Indiana State played a close game against North Dakota State, who reached the FCS championship last year, so he knows the Sycamores will play a tough and physical game and will be highly motivated.
Allen wants Indiana's biggest areas of growth in Week 1 to be the offense's ability to march down the field and score touchdowns, defensive execution in key moments like third and fourth down and eliminating penalties on special teams.
With a short schedule this week, Allen said Indiana did not have its usual off day on Monday, but there was really no difference in the rest of their preparation.