One Thing is Clear About the IU Defense, Allen Wants More Contributors

Written by Nathan Comp

At the conclusion of Tom Allen’s time at the podium in Chicago for Big Ten Media Days, one thing was clear: Tom Allen plans on maximizing Indiana’s roster in the 2018 season. “You’re gonna see us play a lot more guys,” said Allen. “The vision has not changed. I want the Hoosiers to break through.” So, what makes this season different and why will we see so many more players earning playing time? Here’s three reasons why I feel the 2018 season could see the highest number of Indiana players seeing the field than ever before.

1. The New Redshirt Rule

Both a hot topic at Big Ten Media Days and the leading factor as to why there will be so many players seeing the field this season is the new redshirt rule for college football. The rule allows a player to participate in a maximum of any four games before using a year of eligibility. Allen raved about how beneficial this rule change will be for the Indiana program. “It's a great rule. Great for young men, great for our programs.” He continued by saying, “It’s great for our program to be able to maximize our rosters. We have to do a great job of evaluating guys at fall camp and decide who is going to fit in that window to be able to maximize their skill set.”

This rule will be something to keep an eye on as the season progresses. IU has a couple of questions marks revolving around their talented freshman class. Allowing these players, such as Madison Norris, Reese Taylor, or even Mike Penix, the opportunity to see the field in a “prototype” fashion should prove advantageous. “It gives you some flexibility, whether it's at the beginning of the year, if a guy is ready early on. Some guys are not. Those might be ready later on,” said Allen. The rule can also come into effect if a late-season injury occurs. Instead of a backup having to lose a year of eligibility, he would be able to fill in without fear of wasting a year. Either way, this rule change will certainly result in more players seeing the field.

2. The “Pressure” on the Program

As silly as this may be in year two of his tenure, there is a sense of pressure on Coach Allen and the Indiana football program to perform in 2018. The tide seemed to be turning – Indiana had made two consecutive bowl games for the first time since 1990 and 1991 and after taking the helm Allen had sold the fanbase on his belief that Indiana football would break through. That is, win that bowl game, hold a 4th quarter lead and upset a top program, finish towards the top of the Big Ten standings. Instead, Indiana finished the season with a loss to Purdue, led by fellow first-year coach Jeff Brohm, and watched their rivals from the North complete their season with a victory at the Foster Farms Bowl – the bowl Indiana had played in just one year prior.

It’d be naïve to think Coach Allen does not feel this pressure. It’s simply the nature of the business, and there is little doubt that the fiery competitor that is Tom Allen does not sense this. So, what will 2018 see? My guess: the year of Tom Allen. Sure, you’ll still see the experienced upperclassmen who would be considered former Coach Kevin Wilson’s players. But, right alongside them, will be Allen’s players. The ones he recruited. The ones who fit his system. The ones who fully embrace the culture he established. It’s just like what we saw in Assembly Hall with Archie Miller. You don’t want to play the pack line defense? Fine, enjoy the bench or the G-League. Exit James Blackmon Jr, enter Zach McRoberts. Expect a similar result on the gridiron this year: experience when you need it, bolstered by a lot of new faces: Allen’s guys.

3. The 2017 Season

Although it is easy to declare that Indiana did not achieve its goal of breaking through last season, a deeper analysis will ponder why. “To me, it came down to depth,” said Allen. “That was a thing that kept resurfacing as we were evaluating. Fatigue would set in late in games.” This is not the first time we’ve heard this; after injuries to key players and those who remained being worn down from the season, IU simply did not have enough guys to compete down the stretch. To avoid the wheels falling off again this season, changes will be made. “We have to change the way we play. It’s pretty simple. We have to finish.” These changes will likely involve giving star players more rest throughout the season and younger up-and-comers more of an opportunity. There will be fewer players who are on the field for every snap. In the end, this will hopefully allow for fresher legs in 4th quarters and less fatigue in the second half of the season. It will certainly allow for more players seeing the field.

How soon will you be able to notice the increased number of players? Likely from the first game. Indiana will travel to FIU and play in the hot, humid Miami, Florida. A summer’s worth of improved strength and conditioning aside, this will be a game that will test a player’s stamina. Fresh bodies will have to be subbed in to avoid key players wearing down in crunch time. Add in the uncertainty involved with it being the first game of the season, and I fully expect to hear a lot of new names as early as September 1st.