Hoosiers’ Bowl Hopes Stay Alive with Playoff Mentality

Written by Ethan Roberts

The Indiana Hoosiers prevailed victorious Saturday against Wisconsin 20-14. The win marks the Hoosiers’ first win in conference play this season and improves their overall record to 3-6. Head Coach Tom Allen praised the locker room.

“Just really proud of our team,” Allen said. “Just their ability to stay together, keep battling. What I saw this week in practice is what you saw today.”

Allen said there were tough times throughout the game and praised Wisconsin for having a physical football team. He spoke about the mentality of the Hoosiers at this point in the season.

“We knew where we are with the team earlier this week, last Sunday, that it was a four-game season,” Allen said. “The goal is to be 1-0 after each week. That’s been the focus, the playoff mentality. We know we got to win each week. We don’t talk beyond whoever is next. It was about finding a way to get ready for Wisconsin.”

Allen said the crowd made a difference on third downs and in the fourth quarter. 

Allen talked about how the Hoosiers were able to stay on track despite starting conference play 0-5.

“I just attribute it to our culture, I really do,” Allen said. “Our kids believe in what we’re doing. They care about each other. It’s way bigger than just a guy out there making plays for himself. They believe in what we’re doing.”

Allen praised the leadership of Aaron Casey and Matthew Bedford for keeping things afloat.

“It’s earmuffs and blinders every week,” Allen said. “Come back to work, no matter what happened, good or bad, attack the next day. Easier said than done, no doubt. Definitely hard to do. To see them rewarded for that today is pretty special. We know we got to do it again next week. We’re going to enjoy this for 24 hours.”

Aaron Casey, the standout linebacker for the Hoosiers, tallied 9 total tackles, 2 sacks and forced fumble in today’s win. He spoke about the sense of urgency to win.

“It feels great. All week we’ve had a sense of urgency,” Casey said. "Coming out to practices and meetings we just had a different energy level, and it was able to show out there on the field.”

Freshman defensive back Jordan Shaw also had a big game, tallying 9 total tackles and a pass breakup. He talked about the differences in the team for the past two weeks.

“I feel like we’re just all playing for each other,” Shaw said. "Like we know for the seniors, this is their last season, so we’re just trying to play for our brothers. The coaches are doing a really good job at preparing us, so we’re just playing for each other.”

The Hoosiers have galvanized the locker room with the understanding that winning has become urgent coming down the final stretch of regular season games. Will they have enough gas in the tank to three more games and clinch a bowl game?

The Hoosiers take on Illinois Saturday Nov 11 at noon.