IU lost against Rutgers on Oct. 22.
(Indiana University Athletics)
Losing isn’t something you ever get used to, but the IU football team knows something about it.
The Hoosiers dropped their sixth straight game Saturday, losing 45-14 to Penn State.
It’s the second year in a row IU has suffered a long losing streak. Last year, the Hoosiers lost their final eight games.
“We don't just sit here and act like nothing's going on,” Allen said Monday. “I don't think you get numb to it. When you care so much and you're passionate about what you do, I think just the fight and the toughness and the grit just gets taken to another level, and you have to be that way.”
Allen said the only thing he can do is focus on the fundamentals.
“It's back to basics of blocking and tackling and trying to make sure that we are emphasizing those in the proper way to create those opportunities to be able to create a game-changing play,” Allen said. “Then, win a big game and be able to get momentum off of that.”
Indiana was outgained 483-196 by the Nittany Lions. With starter Connor Bazelak injured, Indiana used three quarterbacks in the game, and they combined to complete 16 of 29 passes for 131 yards. They also threw three interceptions and were sacked three times.
Veteran Jack Tuttle started for IU, but left the game in the second quarter with a shoulder injury. That led to Dexter Williams II and Brendan Sorsby seeing action for the first time this season.
Allen said he was particularly impressed with Williams, a redshirt sophomore.
“I was very encouraged by the way he responded and the way he played,” Allen said. “I like the way he threw the football. Obviously had one poor decision, but I thought that he ran the football with something that we need, and can help us for sure.
“So, yeah, I think that Dexter showed me that he's earned a right to be able to be out there. So, that will definitely be a part of the moving forward equation.”
The Hoosiers will get Bazelak back this week, as they prepare for a road game at No. 2 Ohio State.
Allen said Bazelak missed practice all last week, but said the junior is healthy now.
“He was just beat up pretty good, so there was multiple things he just wasn't able to do to play at the level he needed to play at to be what we needed him to be,” Allen said.
The Hoosiers will need a healthy Bazelak and a lot more against the Buckeyes.
“Coach (Ryan) Day continues to do a tremendous job with that program, and the way that they are playing right now in all three phases,” Allen said. “Obviously, a lot of talented players, very good coaches and will be a tremendous challenge for us to play on the road against such a really good football team.”
Saturday’s game kicks off at noon and will be broadcast on FOX.
