Written by Matt Smith

Indiana faced their toughest test on Saturday as they hosted the number four team in the country in the Michigan Wolverines. Michigan has one of the highest scoring offenses in the Big 10, which presented the Hoosiers a big test with Cam Jones out for several weeks.

However, the Hoosier defense stepped up and was able to hold the Wolverines to 17 points through the first three quarters.

“I thought that Bradley Jennings played extremely well. Made some mistakes, but I thought he played extremely well. Took his game to another level,” Tom Allen said on Monday morning. “Even Aaron Casey. A year ago, at this time he wasn't playing much. Got a chance to play later in the year, didn't play very well. The ability to fix that. “

It has been an up and down year for the Hoosiers on both sides of the ball. A current three game losing streak has them needing crucial wins in order to be considered for a bowl game.

It is now halfway through the season and there are still very many places that the Hoosiers need to improve on. However, the defense has been able to make plays on all parts of the field.

“I think bottom line is that even today we go show clips from the game. You see the defense flying around, getting some big stops, huge takeaway in the red zone, score zone area,” Allen said.

One of the ways that Indiana needs to improve on is their execution. Allen alluded to Blake Corum’s 50 yard run during the first drive of the game. He said that it should have been a minimal gain with four guys around him.

Allen also wants to see more consistency across the board.

“It's that consistency we have to have. Playing a lot of guys, a challenge to get all those guys on the same page. When you see when the guys do it, we showed a whole bunch of clips with our guys, when we do things the correct way, this is the result,” Allen said. “We don't communicate, we don't execute, you give up big plays. You're playing against teams and athletes that can make you pay in a hurry.”

One of the things that has been consistent is the effort from the team as a whole.

As far as the offensive side of the ball, Allen wants to see them finish drives. They were moving the ball and had a chance to be up seven at the half, but a penalty halted the drive.

The offensive line has been a big issue for the Hoosiers, but Allen hopes the coaching change from Darren Hiller to Rod Carey will help the offense breakout.

Allen believes the offense needs more confidence in the system, but with better execution as well.

“To me it's about core confidence in what we're doing. Still execution is paramount. You can't get away from that. You can't be jumping off-sides, making mistakes,” Allen said. “You get a drive killer against the team of the caliber of Michigan. You play a road game; you can't make mistakes on the road with all the adversity that creates.”

Allen went on to talk about consistency with the offense as well. They have been able to move the ball down the field at times, but have been shooting themselves in the foot with mistakes and penalties.

All focus for the Hoosiers is to turn this season around with their final six games of the season, however it is easier said than done with multiple tough teams left on the schedule.

The Hoosiers now turn their attention to Maryland in a must win game for the Hoosiers if they want to turn their season around.

The Huddle

Tom Allen Wants More Consistency out of the Hoosiers

Hoosier Huddle