Big Ten football media day: What Tom Allen said
Indiana football has ridden a rollercoaster the past two years. The Hoosiers surged to a 6-2 record in a COVID-interrupted 2020 season, but struggled to a 2-10 record in 2021.
IU football's 2022 season opens on Sept. 2 against Illinois. The Hoosiers' nonconference games are against Idaho, Western Kentucky and Cincinnati. Their featured home games are against Michigan on Oct. 8 and the Old Oaken Bucket matchup against Purdue on Nov. 26.
Here's what Indiana coach Tom Allen has to say at Big Ten media days. Please refresh for the latest.
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Donaven McCulley's opportunity at receiver
Allen reiterates McCulley came to him on the idea of a position change.
"He wants to be on the field."
Allen says WRs coach Adam Henry has really invested time in McCulley's development. #iufb— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) July 26, 2022
A couple of season-ending injuries
Asked Allen about David Ellis and Deland McCullough II ultimately deciding they can't play on. Said both were dealing with long-term medical issues, had lots of conversations about whether they could play or not. Said no one else is out at this point.
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) July 26, 2022
IU was voted to finish last in the Big Ten East
"No question" in Allen's mind being voted to finish last in the East is motivation. But also points out IU sat on the other side of that fence last year.
"Our team understands we've got a chip on our shoulder and something to prove." #iufb— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) July 26, 2022
More on Indiana football quarterbacks
Jack Tuttle and Missouri transfer Connor Bazelek are believed to be the front-runners. Allen wants a QB who can get the ball to the receivers and command the locker room.
Replacing linebacker Micah McFadden
Cam Jones is the key to the linebacker corps, but several others have transferred in.
Allen said he expects Dasan McCullough to make an impact as a freshman with the linebacking corps.
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) July 26, 2022
IU football quarterbacks
Allen says it's not clear who will be QB1. Donaven McCulley, who has moved to receiver, could play some QB.
Allen asked about quarterbacks and McCulley. Said he came out of spring football not thinking there was a clear starter, but wants to have a starter by the opener. "Not expecting a dual situation, ... but things happen and injuries happen."
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) July 26, 2022
Tom Allen talks radio play-by-play legend Don Fischer
Last night, Coach Allen surprised Don Fischer with news of the @NFFNetwork & @CFBHall's Chris Schenkel Award.
Details: https://t.co/yo7cQfgiK6 pic.twitter.com/knMqNYi2Pl— Indiana Football (@IndianaFootball) July 26, 2022
Tom Allen on unsuccessful 2021 season
Starting season with a Big Ten opponent for fourth time.
Tom Allen: "The bottom line is things didn't go the way we wanted to in 2021. When that's the case, you either feel sorry for yourself or you do a thorough evaluation of everything you do. ... That's what we've done."
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) July 26, 2022
Allen: "I understand sometimes things don't go the way you want them to go. When you experience that you have a chance to find out who you are."
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) July 26, 2022
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Big 10 football media days: Indiana coach Tom Allen speaks
