Yes, Tom Allen Says, Michael Penix Jr. Scored Vs. Penn State in 2020
Tom Allen, who was Indiana's head coach just last month, dropped a "We Are" as he left Beaver Stadium on Wednesday after being introduced as Penn State's new defensive coordinator. "Love it," Allen said of the experience. But he entered the room certain that a thorny question was coming.
So, did Michael Penix Jr. actually score on that 2-point conversion in 2020?
Allen smiled. "I knew this was coming," he said. And then he answered firmly.
"Oh, it was touchdown," Allen said of the most famous play of his seven years as Indiana's head coach. "But I get it. It depends on what glasses you're wearing."
That moment of Penn State's 2020 season-opener brings a fascinating undercurrent to Allen's hiring as the program's new defensive coordinator. Yes, Allen said the word "touchdown," but everyone knew that he was referring to Indiana's contested 2-point conversion that capped a chaotic 36-35 victory over Penn State.
To recap: Indiana scored an overtime touchdown when Penix, now the quarterback for undefeated Washington, hit Whop Philyor in the end zone. Down by one point, Allen went for the win at home in overtime, with Penix scrambling toward the end zone after a quick moment in the pocket.
Penix raced to the left pylon, stretched past Penn State safety Jaquan Brisker and may or may not have touched the pylon before the ground. As Allen acknowledged, it depends on "which sideline you were on." But the play was ruled a conversion, which replay upheld.
That victory sparked Indiana to a 6-2 season, for which Allen was named the American Football Coaches Association national coach of the year. Penn State, meanwhile, began the first 0-5 start in school history.
Allen called the finish "powerful" that day at Memorial Stadium. "Since I have been here we have found ways to lose those types of games," the coach said afterward. "This game we found a way to win."
On Wednesday, Allen described a photo of the play that he keeps in his office. He didn't mention whether the photo would decorate his new office at Penn State.
"Obviously it was very contested on both sides and reviewed and talked about ad nauseam," Allen said. "I've got a big, ol' picture in my office that shows he scored. It was a touchdown back then, probably still considered a touchdown today and will be considered a touchdown 20 years from now. Bottom line is, it was a great game, and that was a great win for the Indiana Hoosiers."
This is a unique hire for Franklin and Allen, rivals for seven seasons as head coaches who now will work together at Penn State. During the interview process, Allen said, he and Franklin watched film of their most recent game against each other, which Penn State won 41-13 in late October. They compared strategies and play calls, delving into some some classified aspects of their approaches to the game. As a result, Allen said he arrives at Penn State with a perspective he's never had when assimilating into a new staff.
"I haven't had this situation before, where I've kind of moved in this way in this time frame, so I think it will give us some unique advantages for sure," Allen said. "It's made the transition actually a little bit easier."
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