Allen Voices Frustration About Officiating After 24-21 Loss to Michigan State

Written by Ethan Roberts

The Hoosiers were in lockstep with Michigan State to the final whistle in Saturday's loss, when kicker Chris Freeman missed a go-ahead field goal to tie the game with seconds left on the clock.

Fans erupted in boos multiple times in the final minutes of the game, most notably to an intentional grounding call that appeared to be a miscommunication between quarterback Brendan Sorsby and wide receiver E.J. Williams. 

Head coach Tom Allen voiced his frustration after the loss.

"On the intentional grounding [the referee] said that the receiver wasn't close enough," Allen said. "I said that we have a read progression. He is reading the route, and obviously, they weren't on the same page."

Allen said that he didn't agree with the explanation for the intentional grounding call. Several players noted that it's part of football and out of their control.

The loss puts the Hoosiers at 3-8 and dead last in the Big Ten East division. With so much of the season lost, they are looking to rally one last time this year for the most important game on their schedule.

"We're playing Purdue, period," Allen said. "I got this team's back, period. They know it. We're going to fight to the finish. I promise you that."

Allen said the biggest motivation for the seniors will be playing their final Old Oaken Bucket game. 

Linebacker Aaron Casey, a redshirt senior, understood this claim.

"Just know what is in front of us. We still have a big game, IU's biggest game, the bucket game," Casey said. "Use the fight that we still have to go out there and get the win and the bucket back in Bloomington."

Casey has had a solid year for the Hoosiers. According to ESPN, he has tallied 86 total tackles, 5.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. He also leads the team with 68 solo tackles. 

Tight end Trey Walker, who scored his first touchdown today, spoke about the passion still left in the locker room.

"Obviously losing sucks. Losing a close game like that sucks one hundred times more," Walker said. "We just have to stick together because we still have one more game. It's another trophy game, and arguably the most important trophy game. So, we just have to stick together and come out hot next week."

The Old Oaken Bucket, the Hoosiers' rivalry game with Purdue, has been played annually since 1920. Purdue leads the series 76-42-6 and has held the trophy for the past two seasons. 

With the Spittoon rivalry being decided in heartbreaking fashion, the Hoosiers will look to bounce back on the road on Thanksgiving weekend. Undoubtedly, one thing all the players are thankful for is the opportunity to dominate their rivals.